Loaches Online Forum

I have two Dojos in a heaterless five gallon tank (along with 7 small Zebra Danios). The water temp stays pretty constant between 74 and 76 degrees in it's current location (they are also in an area with no direct sunlight). I have read that the allowable temps should be between 50 and 77 degrees. What with the outside weather getting significantly warmer in the coming days I am a little concerned that the tank temp will get warmer than tolerable.

Also, how often should I make partial water changes?

Anyone have any input?

Thanks,

paujoha

That tank is way too small for Dojos and Danios, and temperature stability.

Dojo Loaches can get well over 6", and can be very active in between tunneling under some driftwood or the substrate.
Danios zip back and forth a LOT and need more straight line space for all this action.

Next, a larger tank will be more stable with respect to temperature.

I would suggest moving these fish up to at least a 20 long or 29 gallon tank. As the Dojos grow, they may need an even longer tank.

Ways to cool a tank:

Leave the lid off and aim a fan across the top of the water. More evaporations happens, but this is exactly what is cooling the tank. This option is complicated by escape-artist fish. Danios can jump, and I think Dojos are also quite willing to go overboard.

Keep the room cooler. Close the curtains during the day to keep the sun out, open windows at night to allow it to cool off. (This may not work if you are in the tropics). A fan blowing in the room, even if it is not aimed directly at the tank may help.

Add a frozen container of water, but do not open the container. The bulk of the container will defrost slowly, cooling the tank slowly. Rotate containers in and out of your freezer as needed. Think about soda bottles for example: In a 5- 10 gallon tank a single serving size is enough. In a 20-29 gallon perhaps about 1 liter size would be about right.

What type of fish do you think would be more appropriate for this size tank (I really don't have the space for a larger tank in my home)?

Not a single fish. Maybe some shrimp or snails, but definetily no fish.

paujoha:

I have show guppies and floating plants in two 5G hex tanks but no more than 4 adults: one male and three females.

Assuming that your tank has filtration 25% weekly WCs are appropriate.

TR

janma wrote:Not a single fish. Maybe some shrimp or snails, but definetily no fish.

Actually this is a good sized tank for a Siamese Fighting fish, or several of the new dwarf black bettas you get these days.

theonetruepath wrote:

janma wrote:Not a single fish. Maybe some shrimp or snails, but definetily no fish.

Actually this is a good sized tank for a Siamese Fighting fish, or several of the new dwarf black bettas you get these days.

We have different standards and recommendations around the world and I'm proud of the fact that we support bigger tanks here in Finland. For a Betta it is 40L here, thats double the size of the tank in question here. So I'd still say that it's not a good size tank for any fish.

janma wrote: We have different standards and recommendations around the world and I'm proud of the fact that we support bigger tanks here in Finland. For a Betta it is 40L here, thats double the size of the tank in question here. So I'd still say that it's not a good size tank for any fish.

I totally agree with you, Janne.

Emma

Janma, I agree with you as well. Not only are fish happier in bigger spaces, they're so much more enjoyable to watch. And easier to keep.

paujoha, I have a shrimp-only tank, and I love it. Cherry shrimp are active and colorful, and there are many other varieties as well. I think it's a great solution for a small tank.