12 clowns for a 75g...how many tank mates?

[Sea Sprite]

If I am planning to have say (1.5"-2") 10 - 12 clown loaches...
How many of the below, in your opinion, would I be able to add in my 75 gallon & if they are not ideal tank mates for clowns, what is? :

2 kubs
1 iridescent shark (I could live without him if I had to)
5 cardinal tetras
5 black neon tetras
5 rummy nose tetras
1 zebra danio (maybe)
1 pleco
1 blue crayfish

[Ashleigh]

2 kubs

I would up this to at least 5, more if you can. Its the same as keeping clown loach, more the better.

1 iridescent shark (I could live without him if I had to)

I would forget it, far out grow the 75g your talking about if it is the Pangassius hypopthalmus (anyone correct me if I have got the name confused with the larger iridescent shark sp), plus they are very skittish, there are many a story of some smashing into the sides of tanks and cracking them, not an aquarium fish at all.

5 cardinal tetras
5 black neon tetras
5 rummy nose tetras

Im not sure the tetras will appreciate the water flow that the clowns would prefer, although I have had success with Rummy nose tetras in with clown loach. Again the numbers are to small imo, go for at least 10. Have a look at some barb/rainbow species, they would be better suited if your setting up the tank specifically for the clowns.

1 zebra danio (maybe)

Do better in cooler water than what the clowns ideally should be kept at, again on the number thing, they are a shoaling species with a min of 5 individuals, 8 or more would be best imo if your set on having them.

1 pleco

Any idea of what species? Forget about the 'common' plec, they get far to large for a 75g, have a look at some of the hardier smaller species such as the bristle nose, I also like the rubber lip/bulldog, although they are a fair bit more shy. Golden nuggets are nice if you want something a bit different/special but they are quite sensitive

1 blue crayfish

A no go, I had one and it was a nasty little thing, better in tanks setup specifically for their needs, not a community aquarium species.

And I think thats it


Ashleigh

[Sea Sprite]

TY, Ashleigh !!

Am definitely creating the tank around the Clowns as my main pet. So, all others will need to be able to survive their perimeters.
I've had 2 common plecos in my 55 gal & they got very big!
With the Gold nugget reaching 7-11" and the Para achieving almost 9", do you think it will be ok to have 1 of each with the type of tank I am considering?

I can surely do without the danio, shark & crayfish.
Are there tank mates which are considered "ideal" with Clowns?

[Diana]

Look at the Clown Loach optimum parameters. Then look for other fish that enjoy the same surroundings. While the Clowns are little you can use little fish, but when the Clowns grow they will need a larger tank, and larger tank mates, if you are hoping to keep a dozen or so in a community tank.

Warmer water and high water flow does not add up to very many fish, but...
Rainbow Fish. There are many, so do some research. Melanotaenia praecox is one good one.
Barbs that like warmer water such as pentazonas (while the Clowns are young). Larger Barbs in a few years.
Congo Tetras

[Sea Sprite]

Really like the Melanotaenia boesemani, the Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish (Turquoise Rainbowfish) & the Melanotaenia praecox. Thanks for steering me in the right direction, Diana. I was wondering what would be good middle swimmers.