Can kuhli loaches live in a two gal tank temp?.

[Playfulloach]

Ok...Got three new loaches, but figured if I release them into the tank I intended for quarantine..I'll lose track of them again. Both of my tanks are planted.

So change of plans. So I'm thinking I'll keep them in a two gal tank/ float that in the twenty gal with an airstone and then release them after two days. Hopefully the critical time frame for them to die.

I'm going to plan to quarantine a week and then put them in with my thirty gal housing my other three kuhli loaches and female betta.

Edit: Didn't know I could edit here.
I'm surprised how much my existing kuhli loaches have grown compared to the new ones. I didn't expect that considering they haven't exactly been thriving/surviving well with me.

[mistergreen]

get a big ol' 5-10 gallon plastic tub at walmart.

[Diana]

Quarantine should be longer than a few days or a week. Plan for the worst, and it may never happen.
I would pick up a 10- gallon kit with lid, heater, cheap filter.
Keep a little extra filter media in the main tank so it is cycled, and toss it into the Q-tank's filter when you set it up.

Give yourself an easy way to watch the new fish, be sure Ich or some other issue does not crop up, and give yourself time and the fish a secure place in case they need to be medicated, and the water can be adjusted slowly from store parameters to your main tank chemistry.

Q-tank basics:
Bare bottom is easier to clean, but I have also found that one layer deep of gravel works just as well, and IMO fish need a bottom material (Especially bottom dwelling fish like most Loaches)
Minimum of decor. Something that can be sterilized. A rock cave, plastic plants or plants you are willing to throw away in case of disease.
Heater. Cheap is OK, you will be monitoring this tank closely, and it will not be in use much.
Thermometer.
Lid. VERY important. Stressed fish will jump.
Light. Stressed fish are better with the light off, but for you to see the fish a light is a good idea. A timer will set the light on a normal day/night cycle, and this is good also.
Separate, labeled equipment for quarantine, never touches the main tank. Net and small gravel vac. (I have a really small one that only cost about $5-$6.00)
All this adds up to 'Kit' or 'leftover tank parts'.

[mikev]

To what Diana said, appending specifically for kuhlis:

1. They do jump; this would happen with new fish in small tanks (10g). A kuhli in a 2g tank will be very motivated to jump.

2. New kuhlis often come with deadly diseases, sometimes infectious. 1 week is insufficient; I've seen the disease develop on the 2nd week. Quarantine should be at least a month, but with kuhlis 2 weeks will give you some protection, 1 week is pointless.

10g setups are sold by Petland here for $28, they include nearly everything that is needed. Check the stores around, you should be able to find a good deal.

[Playfulloach]

Ok...But I'm expecting another inspection some time next week and supposed to only have one tank setup with fish. They havn't seen the thirty gal yet so crossing my fingers and I'd be way too nervious to setup a third tank. So maybe I'll transfer them to a new tank after inspection is over.

It'd certainlly be akward to setup another tank in my one bedroom apartment..but if that's what best for them, I'll cram one in if I have to setup on the floor temp. Hopefully there's a ten gal stored at my parents that hasn't been broken yet.

I think one did jump into my twenty gal because I only see two in the two gal Besides maintaining stable temps, that's why I put the little tank in the bigger tank, in case they jumped out they'd land in the bigger tank.

Looking for the lil bugger in the twenty gal...Maybe will come out tonight.

[piggy4]

By putting the Coolies into a well planted tank ,should if anything increase your chances of spotting them , the fact that there are plenty of hiding places should give them the confidence to venture out more ! this is after a while , once they are used to their new surroundings , patience is the key here .