Loaches Online Forum

Hello

I've been lurking in the background for a while now, having bought some loaches for my small tank, realising my mistake and now shifting half the house around to accomodate a bigger tank! Anyhow, having lurked here, and learned quite a lot in the process, I'm hoping you can help me with my next question.

I currently have 3 small yo-yo loaches, who will, hopefully, move to a 220 Litre tank this weekend (along with 3 danios and 6 black widow tetras and 5 glowlights). We've put this tank together with the loaches in mind - so there are lots of hiding places and fine gravel substrate. We want to slightly increase our loach population and are debating whether to buy more yo-yos or to add some zebra loaches. They seem to like very similar conditions, but from a loach community point of view, would it be better to stick to one type? I'm probably aiming for 5 - 6 loaches in total and am in no hurry to increase numbers.

I would really welcome some guidance. Thanks very much for reading this.

Loaches do better in larger groups of their own species. If your goal is 5-6 Loaches total, then make them all the same.

Research the fish you are interested in to be sure they thrive in the same water conditions, GH, temperature and water movement are the biggest ones to match.

Thanks Diana, that's really helpful. We'll stick to Yo-Yos then as i don't think the tank will be big enough to comfortably accomodate 10 - 12 loaches - still, there is always potential for tank no. 3!

Fiona

I strongly agree with Dianna. I have groups of 5 loaches in 3 of my tanks. . . and 14 loaches in my 4th.

The group of 14 is FAR more interesting than any of the quints.