Loaches Online Forum

First a quick thanks to everyone who has been helpful with my previous questions.

It's just about time to move my clowns from the 46gal to the new 90 gal.
I built the "river manifold" with 2 pumps, lots of plants and caves for them to hide in the new tank. The new tank is cycling now and should be ready soon.
Currently I only see my clowns for a short time when they come out to eat. The rest of the time they all pack themselves inside a hollow tree stump decoration. I really don't want to put this stump in the new tank. Quite honestly I'm tired of never seeing my fish. My concern is stressing them out to the pont of where they get sick or die. I would rather not see them than kill them.
What should I do???

Many give hiding places . If you can not see your fish it is at risk IMHO. They are fine with minimum cover. I have had that for years in my tanks. PVC pipe so they can go in is good if scared or startled but..... Mine never hide and are always up front watching as that is their situation in the open. They will settle in a few days this way and be bold in less than a month. They do need some cover that has flow but do not need to be hidden from sight. I have a 1200 gallons with many Loaches and NONE are completely hidden from my view ever. In this situation they are much more active and really don't care to hide now prefering to see what is going on when I am about. Sparse is fine but not barren.... It took my Blues about a week to get comfortable this way and now they are so fun to watch whereas when they were purchased they hid 100% of the time like at the LFS and here they did at first slowly becoming more and more bold.Get your fish out to play and dance for you....

I would try and lose any ornament that the loaches could potentially get stuck in. If you provide lots of natural hiding places in the new tank amongst pieces of bogwood, rocky caves and planting, there will be no need to keep it. Most fish are happier and venture out more when there are lots of hiding places to retreat to should the need arise. Adding a blue moon light to the tank so that you can view them under subdued lighting in the evening will work wonders too.

Emma

Thanks for giving me some hope!! I have both ends of the tank heavily planted for cover. 2 caves made from terracotta pots, and some rock and driftwood for more hiding spots.
I have moonlights on the small tank. Plan on getting some for the new tank too. YES I'm keeping both tanks running

Thanks again for all the help. The reason I started an aquarium in the first place was my love of the clowns, it's going to be nice to enjoy them now!

I don't remember if you told us, but what other fish do you keep with them?

Would love to see some pics of the new tank once your fish are settled in.

What are you planning for the old tank?

Emma

I'm moving my 5 clowns and the big guy(14" L001) to the 90 gal. Still deciding if I want to move the gouramis to the 90 gal or keep them in the existing tank. Which ever tank does not get the gouramis will get some danios or tiger barbs.
For the bottom of the 46 gal. I am going to treat myself to 2 or 3 L046(zebra plec's). Those are a close second as my favorite species.

jaytech33 wrote:I'm moving my 5 clowns and the big guy(14" L001) to the 90 gal. Still deciding if I want to move the gouramis to the 90 gal or keep them in the existing tank. Which ever tank does not get the gouramis will get some danios or tiger barbs.
For the bottom of the 46 gal. I am going to treat myself to 2 or 3 L046(zebra plec's). Those are a close second as my favorite species.

Wow! Zebre plecs! Please post the zebra Plecs when you get them.

starsplitter7 wrote: Wow! Zebre plecs! Please post the zebra Plecs when you get them.

Tanja means post the pics, not the plecs!

I tell you, everytime I think I can get away without proofreading I say something silly. I have a small fever this evening, and so I think I will head to bed, before I say anything else silly. Yes, please post pictures.

Thanks Emma.

Going to take some months before I have some zebras. First is the unfortunate problem of the rediculous cost. Second is finding a breeder I feel confident in. I have 2 local sources for quality fish, but both are having no luck finding good zebras.

I've got two L46's in my river tank which I hardly ever see (although it is a treat when I do), but I think they are both males. Females command a really high price from breeders, but hopefully I will find one sometime fairly soon. Good luck with your search!

Emma