How to know when my clowns need a larger tank?

[ClownLoachKeeper]

I've had 5 clown loaches in a 55 gallon tank for about five years. They are about 6 inches long from the tip of their mouths to the tips of their tails. Is it time to move them to a larger tank? How should I know when it's time? Does anyone have any experience of their own making mistakes and even stunting them? Does anyone have any first hand knowledge of any kind about this?

[surgeon]

Your going to get a mix of answers. im going to give an ambiguous one If you can't keep your nitrates under control comfortably you need to upsize. If you can't afford to upsize just adjust your maintenance so the nitrates are lower and try and make the tank as nice as possible for them. I kept a single 10inch guy (and a few smaller ones)in a 4x2x2 tank and he was too big but it took me a while to get a big tank setup 6x2x1.6. I really don't know if he likes the new tank either as hes spent the past month hiding!

[ClownLoachKeeper]

Thanks. I appreciate your response. I am able to keep nitrates under control without any problems. I am kind of concerned though, because I'm not sure when I'll be able to get a new, larger tank together. I'm a college student and I live in an apartment that can't really accommodate a 110 gallon tank. I'm not really sure when I'll be able to upgrade.

[chefkeith]

If they are at least 5 years old and 6" long, then it sounds like you are taking good care them. Most grow very slowly once they reach that size.

I got 2 - 50 tanks connected together with a small water-bridge. Perhaps that's something you might want to consider.

[redshark1]

I cannot give you the first hand answer you deserve.

HOwever, I encourage you to look after them the best you can.

The fish may retain the potential for growth.

I started with mine in this 6ft tank and feel it is best to start large (I was recommended 3ft by the retailer!).

My fish increased in growth by 1/2" from year 16 to year 17. Also, their girth has increased (but I stopped short of measuring that!).

[ClownLoachKeeper]

Thanks for all of your input. I'm still not sure what I should do. I really don't want to hurt them. You all seem to have larger tanks and I don't think I'll be able to get a larger one for three years at the absolute soonest. Probably closer to 4 or 5.

[KittyKat]

What are the dimensions of your current tank? My last 55 gallon was only 3 ft long and I would say that that was not suitable for 6" clowns; on the other hand, my last 28 gal tank was 4 ft long, and that is reasonable for 6" clowns.

I believe in upgrading earlier, rather than later, so I encourage you to upgrade to a tank with 6*2 ft bottom area as soon as you can afford it, maybe consider getting a few more clowns at the point of upgrade (so they do not fight over territory quite as much as when being added to an established aquarium).

As a rough guide of what *I* would be moderately comfortable doing..
3 ft -> up to 3"
4 ft -> up to 6"
5 ft -> up to 10"
6 ft -> for life, although ideally, larger is better, of course
…and the point about nitrate is always valid.

p.s. it is possible to pick up second hand tanks for very cheap, so worth looking at, if you haven't already

[ClownLoachKeeper]

It's a 4' long 1' wide 55 gallon aquarium. I actually saw a 150 gallon 6' tank for $150 dollars on Craigslist the other day. Unfortunately there just isn't enough room in my apartment. I also wouldn't trust the floors with a 100 gallon tank. in a few months, If I can't figure something out, I may end up having to to give them to someone who can take better care of them than me.

[astex]

Have you considered upgrading to a 75 gallon tank? It's not a lot of extra water, but around a 30% increase of aquarium floor space, which is what loaches and other bottom dwellers really like anyway.

[ClownLoachKeeper]

I did, but unfortunately I just really can't fit anything larger than my 55 in here.