kuhli questions

[corey236]

Im getting 3 kuhli loaches for my ten gallon tank, and wanted any advice i coould get. Thanks.

[corey236]

Also how shy are kuhlis and how do you make them less shy?

[clownloachfan]

Keep as many as you can. Kuhliis will become more adventurous if you house them with other kuhlii friends. Make sure to have hiding spots like live plants, rocks, driftwood, caves, etc. A sand bottom is appreciated, but smooth rounded gravel is great too. Feed them sinking wafers, shrimp pellots, brine shrimp, etc. as they cannot just feed on the leftovers from the other fish. Make sure your aquarium is cycled.

[corey236]

I am going to keep them with my dwarf puffer and two ottos. I already have plants in for the dp, they are fake but I have heard it doesnt matter. I might get some more lil cave things or something.

[corey236]

Also, I heard that silica/pool filter sand is shiny and might make fish dull their colors, is this true for kuhlis?

[Emma Turner]

Hi corey236,

A 10 gallon tank really isn't big enough for loaches. Even though most kuhli loach (Pangio) species don't grow particularly large, they still require a good sized footprint in which to explore. Larger tanks are also much easier to keep stable, something worth considering when it comes to keeping more sensitive species.

Personally, I think it would be best to hold off getting them until you can provide them with bigger accomodation.

Emma

Edit: The same advice was given to you here, just a couple of weeks ago: http://forums.loaches.com/viewtopic.php?p=89294.

[MoonPye]

Hi corey236,

A 10 gallon tank really isn't big enough for loaches. Even though most kuhli loach (Pangio) species don't grow particularly large, they still require a good sized footprint in which to explore. Larger tanks are also much easier to keep stable, something worth considering when it comes to keeping more sensitive species.

Personally, I think it would be best to hold off getting them until you can provide them with bigger accomodation.

Emma

Edit: The same advice was given to you here, just a couple of weeks ago: http://forums.loaches.com/viewtopic.php?p=89294.

I have to agree with Emma on the space requirements. I have my kuhlis in 20 gallons, and still it seems like they need more space. I have my eyes open for a good deal on a 30 gal now and will be moving them into it once I acquire one. They certainly do seem to enjoy swimming long distances.

The only thing I've found my 10 gallon tank is good for is emergencies or Qtank.. 10 gallons doesn't seem big enough for anything except maybe a Betta or a few snails.

[Diana]

Also, I heard that silica/pool filter sand is shiny and might make fish dull their colors, is this true for kuhlis?

I had not heard this, and the sand I have is NOT shiny. I have pool filter sand in several tanks. In this area PFS is sort of pale tan, with dark specks. Play sand is similar, perhaps a little whiter. Neither is shiny.

The pale color might be what you are referring too. Many fish do seem to color up better in dark areas, especially schooling fish. Their colors are one of the ways they keep together in their school.

[MoonPye]

Also, I heard that silica/pool filter sand is shiny and might make fish dull their colors, is this true for kuhlis?

I had not heard this, and the sand I have is NOT shiny. I have pool filter sand in several tanks. In this area PFS is sort of pale tan, with dark specks. Play sand is similar, perhaps a little whiter. Neither is shiny.

This is what all my sand looks like as well.. I have both PFS and playsand in different tanks.

Matter of fact I only have one tank left with gravel (my Qtank) and I was already in the process of changing it over to sand. I have the sand sitting right now on my counter top just waiting for me to get the gravel out.