Loaches Online Forum

i took out the castle (for those of you who have been following all of this). i added a smaller cave and now the clowns WON'T hide, they're out and dancing and schooling together. if they get scared they bolt, but it's just amazing. is it possible that the castle was just too big? and offered too much security that they didn't want to leave and explore even though there were other caves?
should i keep it this way or add the castle back?
they seem to be happy and more active/curious.

I did exactly the same thing, building hiding places out of rocks and holding them togethor with Aquarium Silicone. The clowns do seem a lot happier and more active. I made small wall out of slate that they can hide behind, because my cat runs up and gives them a scare every now and then. They go behind the wall when he jumps at them, and come out as soon as he leaves. I don't have any dither fish (two Giant Danios and two Pictus Catfish are the only other occupants), and I still see them all the time (90 gallon tank).