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Has anyone kept these at lower temps? I would like to put a few juvies in my Hillstream loach tank. The temp averages 70C - but does get up to mid to upper 70's in summer - and there is alot of current. Do you think they would do ok in there?

Thanks so much!
Jan

If your hillstream loaches would cope with a temperature of 72'C, then I would say go for that. Much under that and, in my experience, the bristlenose will "black out" (mine would lay lifeless on the bottom below it's "hideout").

If not, I'd recommend some other fish, perhaps a Chaetostoma specie, they should be fairly compatible with low temps, and stay reasonably small...

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Mats

Thanks, Mats. I mainly want a couple in that tank for algae eating purposes. And I do already have about a dozen juvies. I can make sure the temp doesn't drop below 72F. It is up to 73F right now as the day warms up.

The tank they are in is at 78F. What would be the best way to acclimate them to a lower temp of 73-74F? Same as any new fish? Bag them and slowly add the cooler tank water?

Thanks again,
Jan

Edit: I'm getting my Celcius and Farenheit mixed up!

I did get 'C and 'F mixed up too, I suppose, makes a big difference, but I'm pretty sure everyone here would know that 70-80'C is too hot for ALL aquarium fish, so we both meant 'F.

Anyways, you can just put the fish in a bag or other thin-walled container and let the sit there for a while, then slowly add water from the new tank to get the chemical difference overcome. Bristlenoses or similar fish are naturally exposed to moderate in range, but fast, temperature changes when the rainy season comes and goes, so they should be fine with that.

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Mats

I put one of the bristlenose in the loach tank on Friday. He's been happily munching zucchini. Everyone is doing great!

Jan

You should have no problems Jan,

It is the middle of Winter here at the moment, the time of year I spawn a lot of my catfish that don't like the heat of Summer. The Bristle nose are spawning at 18*C, that is about 68*F.

Alan.

Thank you, Alan. Today I will be having a problem keeping the temp DOWN! Very hot here right now. But, I do keep a fan blowing into the tank. That really helps!

Jan