Loaches Online Forum

Back in October, I got four Histrionica loaches from my fiance as a birthday present. I was planning on upgrading my 30gal to a larger tank by January, so I felt that the young 2.5" loaches would be comfortable until then. I picked up a 60gal as a gift from the owner of my lfs(he's friends with my dad) and started work on a stand with my father. It is now June and the stand isn't done. I can't afford to just buy a new one and it doesn't look like my father will be able to finish the stand we are working on any time soon. My loaches are now 3-3.5" long and I'm getting worried that their small tank will stunt their growth.

As much as I hate to ask the question, I feel that it needs to be done. Should I take the fish to the store or re-home them? I hate to part with them as I have already spent so much time caring for them, but I don't want them to suffer because I can't let go.

What other fish are in with the histys? An extra foot of tank space is good, the extra water volume is better. What are your nitrate level & how often do you change water? If you can keep the nitrate under 20ppm, I'd say keep them if you really think you can move them to the bigger tank this fall. An inexpensive 60g new metal stand, or used, is also an option. I hear Cali is the land of cheap craig's list deals, you could always sell it after you & your dad eventually build one.

I have about 12 danio, mostly 1" young. I want to lower the number of danio to about seven or eight. they seemed to be happy with that number and it'll lessen the bio load. My water changes are at least 1/3 of the water once a week, but mostly 2 times a week. I vacuum the gravel every water change and do a large cleaning once a month. The water parameters were good last time I checked. I can't remember the exact number and can't seem to find the booklet that I track it in. I'd test the Nitrate now, but am in need of a new test kit at the moment. ^_^;

Cheap craig's list indeed. I've been keeping an eye out, but the central valley is abysmal as far as aquarium supplies go. The bay area is much better for those types of things. If something comes up, then I'll just use it as an excuse for a nice road trip with my dad.

So long as I keep the tank pristine, they should be ok until this fall? If so, then that is a great relief. I really don't want to have to give them up, so if all I have to do is keep up the cleaning, then I'm good for it!