mixing breeds

[sandygirl]

I have 1 loach I. I think it is a weather loach. Did have 2, but have been having trouble with my tank and 1 dies. I am cycling my tank right now but when it is right I would like to get another loach. My question. Aare all species compatable Right now I have 1 loach, 1 swordtail, 1 swardtail fry, and an algie eater.

[starsplitter7]

Please provide more information.

How big is the tank?

Could you confirm the loach by posting a picture for us?

What temperature do you keep the tank?

[sandygirl]

My tank is 28 gal. I am not posative but from looking at all the loach pictures I think it is a weather loach. It is almost white with a pink tinge and a beigh spot on it's heat. It is about 4" long and very active like a slinkley. Up to the top down to the bottom just slinking around. When at rest it has big eyes that seem to look at you. I could probably feed it out of my hand as it is very friendly.

I wish I could post a picture but I don't no how to do that. I am not that computer friendly. I do have a camera but don't no how to post them.

I was into my local pet store today and the fellow in there said because I am having high Nitrate levels to add salt. But he said that he wasn't sure if Loaches could tolerate salt as he hasn't been able to find any information on that. If I looked at catfish would that give me the information that I need for my Loach. I just love them and enjoy watching them so much.

[sandygirl]

I forgot the temperature of my tank is 80 F

[Diana]

Couple of items:
High nitrate is controlled with water changes. Vacuum the bottom of the tank to remove debris that would continue to rot and make the water worse. It is common maintenance to do a weekly water change on the tank. Get yourself a test kit and do enough water changes to keep the nitrate level under 20 ppm. You do not need to add anything to help with nitrate toxicity. 20 ppm is safe for the fish, though lower is better.
Nitrite (with an I) is also controlled with water changes, but salt will reduce the problem of Brown Blood Disease, which can happen when there is nitrite in the water. The dose is 1 teaspoon of salt per 20 gallons of water. This is a low enough dose that even salt sensitive fish (Loaches, Catfish, others) can handle it. When the nitrite is under control (0 ppm) you would stop adding salt to the tank.

Weather Loaches are social, and a bit too active for a 28 gallon tank. (Especially as they mature)

80* F is way too hot for them. Weather Loaches come from cooler streams and would do much better in a tank with a temperature in the low 70s.

Here is a link to a lot more info about them:
http://www.loaches.com/species-index/we ... licaudatus