Loaches Online Forum

Hi and hello

I wonder if anyone could help me in working out how to get my lazy clown loach to come out before dark.
Most of the time he or she just sleeps inside an urn, not moving at all but soon after dark when the lights are off it comes out for a while.

I have thee Loaches one small one and two about 7" long, it is one of the larger ones that does not come out the other two can be seen swimming around the tank at most times of the day.

Is their anything I can do to stimulate this fish into being more lively?

Water change due tomorrow, this sometimes makes it a bit lively but not for long.

Please help any suggestions gratefully accepted

More cover can help a great deal. Ideally there would be something large enough on the bottom of tank that will give the fish plenty of cover and security. A few large pieces of slate setting on top of some rocks usually does the trick. Driftwood is another favorite for clowns to swim under.

You want to leave plenty of swimming space underneath the slate and/or driftwood.

Plenty of water flow is another thing that loaches will like.

How long have you had them? It took 4 months for my newly acquired 5" CL to start coming out at feeding time. Now it's out most of the time (and I have lots of cover)

Thanks for your replies.
i have had these particular fish for over two years now and it has only been recently that one of them has decided not bother coming out to play.

The used to be quite active.
I have several hiding places and some foliage, I've just put an air bubbler in to see if it does any good.

The tank is 4 foot long and I have external filtration, the water is within spec but the PH is pretty low 6.4.

I could not do my water change today due to unexpected work problem but will be done tomorrow.

Just a quick update,
After feeding them live food and changing the water the lazy loach has got a new lease of life.
Now I have purchased some frozen food that they also love, I'm going to try some different foods but I'm not good with making my own.

Technogeek wrote:Just a quick update,
After feeding them live food and changing the water the lazy loach has got a new lease of life.
Now I have purchased some frozen food that they also love, I'm going to try some different foods but I'm not good with making my own.

Glad that you found the solution keep us posted.

having more of them would help too, but your tank it a little on the small side to keep clowns properly in the long term. you should seriously consider whether you can give thema bigger home, and get some more, then they will probably be a lot more lively and behave more naturally.

have you seen any of Emma's films of her clown loach tank?