B. dario and pangios in one tank??

[loachmom]

Hi everyone,

Well, I was unsuccessful in rehoming my 5 Botia kubotai and one B. dario. I'm not too disappointed since I really like the little guys. So, I've purchased a used 75 gallon, and I'm planning to combine some of my tanks into one. This should help me to reduce the amount of time I spend doing tank and filter maintenance ( I hope )
I'm planning to put the kubs and my kuhlis into the 75 gallon together, and I hope this will be OK. I'm concerned, though, about the single dario. Do any of you think that he will be too nippy with the kuhlis, especially at feeding time?

I appreciate any advice. Thanks.

[newshound]

yes
my dario (at three stages of maturity) are nippy.
I think kubs are too nippy for kuli

[loachmom]

Thanks for your advice, newshound.

I kept my pangios with my kubs for a few months last winter, and I never noticed any aggression from the kubs towards the kuhlis. The kubs seemed to be only interested in each other, and the kuhlis were often out in groups lounging in the plants and rock piles. Feeding time was also peaceful; not once did I notice a kub take a nip at a kuhli. Maybe I was just lucky....don't know.
When I had the single dario in quarantine with a group of cories, he was a menace. Now that he is with the kubs, he has little spats with them at feeding time, but no damage is done. I was hoping that if I housed him with the kuhlis and kubs, he would just mess with the kubs and leave the kuhlis alone.
I might be able to find him a couple of buddies at the store where I found him, if that would help.

[newshound]

what age/size is the dario?

[loachmom]

Hi newshound,

He's about 2.25", and I've had him for about two months or so.

I moved all the fish together today, since today was the only day I had to get the job done. So far, everything is peaceful. The kubs and the dario are doing their usual thing--chasing each other around. The kuhlis are lounging in the anubias and in their rock pile. I'll keep a close eye on things.

[Diana]

Spreading out he food may help, so that the various fish do not feel they have to compete for it. Some fish just have to be pushy, though, even if there is plenty for all.

[loachmom]

Thanks Diana, I'll do that. I hope this works out, since I'd like to keep the dario (or rehome him with another loach keeper.)

[newshound]

at one point I had a lone 4" TL dario and he was the king of the tank until I put large clowns in. He just can't push other fellers around

[loachmom]

I've made the time to watch the tank through three feedings now, and the dario doesn't seem to notice the kuhlis. He's too busy keeping after the kubs. The kuhlis don't seem to be intimidated by his presense and come out to eat right along side him. He keeps himself quite busy chasing the kubs away from all the food that he can see. I've made sure to drop food in many locations, so everyone gets fed.
I called the store where I got him to see if they got any more darios in, but they didn't have any. He's really a pretty loach, and he keeps the tank active. I like him.