Loaches Online Forum

So I went out today to pick up some new friends for my 4 shy Loaches. The first LFS we went to, I had never heard of so we tried it since it's super close to my house. And it was DISGUSTING. There is NO way I'd ever go there or tell anyone to go there. I felt bad for the fish in there. Ugh.

So we went to a 2nd LFS that's a little further away but way worth the drive. I've passed this store thousands of times and never gone in. It was such an awesome experience. I asked for some Harlequin Rasboros and the girl took us to the tank. She pointed one out and said "I think that one has ICK. I won't be selling you any of these since you have a new tank and I don't want your other fish to get sick." I was really impressed that she was so thorough and walked us down each isle.

I ended up getting 3 Black Neon Tetras & 3 Silver Tipped Tetras.

As soon as they were released they were so happy. All over the tank. 2 of of the 4 Loaches came out to see what was going on. I have a good feeling about this.

On a different note, the girl let me hold a Peacock Frog & I fell in love. I have ALWAYS been a lover of frogs. Anything reptilian or amphibian. So I might be adding one of them some where down the line.

I just thought I would share since I got so much great advice from some people on here. I will be sure to post some pictures tomorrow.

Going to get the new tank tomorrow. SUPER EXCITED!!!!!!

That sounds GREAT!!!!
Wish I had a LFS that was worth their salt (Or NO salt , hahahaha)

Oh, by the way, ....the totally UNFUN and yet totally necessary part of this fish gambot is the Qtank. (You probably already know this, but I have to just put it down). I hate to bring it up: I do not want to take the wind out of the sails, but you have GOT to get one.
All you need is to watch a favorite and loved fish die a miserable death, to know how important this is. Plus, once you have a cherished group of fish, the cost goes higher and higher, each time you add a newbie!
I hope I am not being too "tellie", but when I had my first tanks years ago, nobody even mentioned the concept and I lost some great fish. Sounds like your fish adventure is going just GREAT. The important part I think is to keep having fun and learning a lot!

Qtank as in quarantine tank?? For sick fish??

Yeah, but not just for sick fish, .....for NEW fish.
Think about it. New fish could introduce parasites, infections, Whatever, to your currently healthy fish!
It is a good idea to keep the new ones away from the established healthy fish with a Qtank,
There are all sorts of theories and protocols people use, and it all depends on your comfort level with risk. Some people just quarantine and watch for illness. OThers treat aggressively during the quarantine phase to ENSURE that they do not infect the established group.
Of course, the level of effort depends on how invested you are in the established group.
I think most would agree, that with loaches, they are particularly susceptible to ich, so treating for that in a Qtank is a good idea. Others have lost wonderful fish to skinny disease, so they feel it is necessary to treat for internal parasites to prevent this being passed to their established fish.
I call my "protocol" the fish gauntlet. Fish need to get through this in order to graduate to the "clean tank". First, one course of parasite meds, I like prazipro as it is easy to use and effective. Then maracyn one and then maracyn two. These are for bacterial infections often associated with stressed fish. Watch to take care of/replenish your biological filter during this phase. Finally, I use a internal parasite medicated food from "Angels plus."
I know this sound intense and like a lot of trouble, but look it up on the forum. You will see that most use some sort of Q process, It is infinitely worth it!!

once you have your new tank cycled you can always use the tank that has your fish in at the moment as a Qtank.

+1 on Q-tanks and prophylactic treatments for new fish.