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Tank size for loaches

Posted: Mon May 14, 2007 10:10 pm
by MARITA
I have 2 weather loaches, one khuli and one horse-faced loach. So, for all four loaches (each approx. 2 inches long) - how large should my tank be?
Also, is there any other bottomfeeder I can add that would eat any left-over food? I am still unsure if I feed correctly .... it is hard to keep track what is actually eaten by my loaches; I'm afraid that too much leftover may be in the gravel & would love to get a compatible fish that would eat any left-overs (not sure if any exist :oops: ).

Posted: Mon May 14, 2007 10:37 pm
by Mark in Vancouver
You want a tank with the maximum footprint for its size - the bottom surface area of the "floor" of the tank. A 30 gallon breeder tank would be the minimum size, I think. Consider getting several more kuhli loaches as they are social fish that really do better among their own. What tank have you got them in now?

Posted: Mon May 14, 2007 11:07 pm
by MARITA
I have them in a 10 gal tank :oops: . I guess that's too small? :shock:
They are so tiny - didn't think they needed more.

Posted: Tue May 15, 2007 6:35 am
by Martin Thoene
The thing you have to remember is fish grow. You need to read this:

http://www.loaches.com/species-index/we ... licaudatus

http://www.loaches.com/articles/weather-report

The weather loaches aren't compatible with the others because of differing temperature requirements.

Martin.

Posted: Tue May 15, 2007 11:25 am
by MARITA
I keep the aquarium at 76 degrees; according to info I have
the Khuli is ok at 72-78 degrees, the weather loach 50-77 degress - and the long-nosed 76-84 degrees. Can I place the weather loaches in my 29 gal Goldfish tank (2 GF in there) which is cooler in temp??
And also, I will get another larger tank for the loaches.