What loach is best for me?

[GrandOverLord]

Hi, I've just set up a 250 litre fish tank which is still in the process of cycling. So far I have 9 guppies in there and I want to make this a thriving, planted community tank, I want a cool bottom feeder or bottom feeders to go in there. So what I'm asking is what would be the best group of loaches to keep in a 250 litre 26c (79f) planted community tank with gravel. Also, I'd like to keep more than one type of bottom feeder. When my tank is cycled of course!

Thanks in advance

[plaalye]

What is the footprint of your tank? LxWxH?

[Diana]

That is a good volume of water for some Loaches up to about 4-5", but yes, it also depends on the footprint of the tank. Loaches are mostly bottom fish, so if your tank is a long, wide but shallow tank you might be able to keep slightly larger or more active fish than if it is a tall tank.

Guppies have been bred in captivity for so long that the 'mutt' guppies you buy in pet stores will handle a wide range of conditions. However, they were originally from warm, hard water, so I would avoid tankmates that need cool soft water.

Also, Loaches (most species) are quite willing to eat Guppies, especially the fry. I would try only the smaller loaches with Guppies. Perhaps Kuhlies or striatas.

Next, take the Guppies back and do the fishless cycle. Does a much more thorough job of cycling the tank.

[GrandOverLord]

I have moved decor from an already established tank to make the cycling process quicker. Also I can't return the guppies

Tank measurements are;
Length- 122 cm
Height- 54 cm
Width- 38 cm

Thanks again

One more thing, I don't care about potential predators to the guppy fry, I won't be taking extra measures to ensure their survival. Does that make me sound evil?

[Diana]

You are not evil, I do the same thing.

Anyway, that is a good tank for something like B. striata, but any Loach much larger might eat the Guppies. Look in the species index for fish that only grow to about 4" (10 cm) max. That way you can keep enough of them to have a nice social group. A 4" fish could probably eat adult Guppies, though.

I have several tanks that size, and they work well for bottom fish. That long footprint allows them to have room to move around, and room for rocks and driftwood so they can hide.