Loaches Online Forum

So, another 60 litre tank thread: I am currently planning an Asian themed set-up. The tank will be 60*30*30 cm with a cover glass (not 100% tight), planted, sand substrate, main occupants will be Boraras species, maybe a small and peaceful Betta or gourami species too.

A recent thread on here suggested Yunnanilus brevis, which at 50-55 mm feel too large for a tank that small to me (I am normally very conservative with these things). The other species mentioned was Y. sp. 'rosy', which sounds much more interesting (according to Aquarium Glaser maxes out at 30 mm).. if anyone has personal experience with 'rosy', are they not too active for such a small aquarium? How are they with other small fish? Is there a recommended male to female ratio? Are they truly a mid-water fish?

Are there any other small loaches, which are suitable for a tank this size? I am *not* worried about snail eating or anything like that.. rather something peaceful and Asian-themed to occupy the bottom of the tank.

And finally, how are small loaches with shrimp? I realise that they are generally shrimp eaters, but can a 3cm loach eat a 3cm shrimp?

I have also come across Yunnanilus cruciatus now, how does this species do in smaller tanks?

Hi Kitty , I currantly have a dozen Y crusiatus ,mine are in a 5ft aquarium though I suspect they'd be fine in a 2ft tank I really like them they are quite active and interesting to observe ,I haven't tried the Rosy loaches though size wise they would be quite suitable in a smallish tank there have been a few threads about the Rosy loaches here LOL perhaps worth searching out

Hi, I've had a look around and asked in a few other places, but have head back from a few people with 3ft tanks that these loaches are too active for smaller tanks.. In short, I am trying for a miniature (60*30*30 cm) Asianish bio-tope. Not a true one, but at least with everything from the same continent.

So, any other suggestions in the loach department? I imagine I can settle for a catfish, but loach would be preferable

I have boraras maculatus and dwarf chain loaches, they get on well, my tank is smaller than yours.

Sophia wrote:I have boraras maculatus and dwarf chain loaches, they get on well, my tank is smaller than yours.

Dwarf chain loaches are a species I do have some experience with and they are active enough to benefit from a larger tank than mine, let alone yours.