just lost 20 bb five handed (.10/.20) vs a maniac raising almost every hand, most streets. basically there was always one or two people calling him down with anything (literally). My question is, what should i be calling down with when his bets and especailly the others calls are so loose?

What game?

In general, play more tightly preflop. Postflop, you can call down with weaker hands, assuming it's limit and it won't cost you your stack.

I think there are really two ways to play a maniac, either wait untill you have good hands and get into a raising war with him, or call down with middle pair or better. DC was right, play a little tighter preflop, and i would lean towards raising a lot when u have your big hands because of all the other loose callers.

okay thanks for the tips
I guess i wasn't playing as horribly as i thought- just variance i suppose

Variance? yup, she's a bitch..... popped my cherry on my first 100bb downswing last week... It happens, nothing you can do but play more hands, and make sure you're playing correct