To Clown or not to Clown

[Canuk_Loach]

I've almsot finished stocking my 4ft" 80gallon tank.

4 Red-Line Torpedo Barbs
6 Harliquin rasboras
Donated by the GF -2 YoYo Loaches-
1 Weather Loach

Now I've had small clowns before I was trying to grow in the 30gall tank in preperation for the 80gal. Had an Ick outbreak from some Rainbows which ended that.

I'm trying to decide if I should add 3 small clowns to me set up or just go for a bigger shoal of Yo-Yo's. So far the Yo'Yo's dont entertain like the Clowns did but not sure if a bigger shoal might help.

Does anyone think 80gal is too small?

[YellowFinned]

Weather loach and Yoyos. Is this a temperate tank or a tropical one?

[Graeme Robson]

Personally, i'd remove the Weather loach and add 5 Botia almorhae. A group of 7 Botia almorhae's is very entertaining with added eye candy of their boisterous actions. I agree, not as colourful as clowns but still a attractive loach once matured.

[palaeodave]

I started out with just two B. almorhae before I really knew anything about loaches. They chased each other around a lot as long as they didn't think I was around. As soon as I showed up they would hide and just peer out at me timidly. Once I got them into larger quarters and added three more they suddenly became so much more bold. No hiding and lots of playing! I'd love to add some more when I get a bigger tank.

[KhuliKhilla]

I'd love to add some more when I get a bigger tank.

hello fella

maybe a rio 300 in 6 months and then you can get a few more?

a house with concrete floors is what we need

see you tonight

[palaeodave]

Hello Lee Been quiet around the house without you. Sorry, fish, yes. As big a group of any particular loach as you can managed will provide much entertainment. Bigger tanks are needed. Lots of electricity

[KhuliKhilla]

i think an increase in my histie population and schistura population is in order once i move.

[Canuk_Loach]

The Weather Loach is a rescue of sorts from my girlfriends 10gallon tank.

She had no clue as to their size or or prefered cold water. The tank is heated of course do to its other inhabitants but the weather loach doesn't seem to care and is always active even with the lights on.

The 2 Yo-Yo's are very active and chase each other and greet all new tank mates. The poor Denison Barbs where just swarmed my the Yo-Yo's on arrival

[Canuk_Loach]

Realistically what should I expect from 5 Yo-Yo's for habits?

The reason I lean towards the clowns is they are always entertaining to watch but dont have any plans on going bigger then my 80gal tank

[shari2]

I'd think the yoyos would be better if you're planning to stick with the 80. Clowns will outgrow it eventually whereas yoyos don't get to such a size.

[Canuk_Loach]

If I went with the clowns and was to trade them off as they outgrew the tank unless I do decide on a bigger tank realistically how many years starting with the typical 2-3" clowns seen in the LFS would I be able to keep them?

[Emma Turner]

Hi Canuk_Loach,

I have to say that clown loaches should only be purchased if you intend to keep them as lifelong pets, and not as something to trade in when they get too big! Many of the other smaller Botia species have equally appealing behaviours, but don't grow anywhere near as large. If you cannot see yourself housing clowns in a tank at least 6' x 2' x 2' in the future (with powerful filtration to match), then you really shouldn't even be considering buying them.

Emma