Best Loach Conditions/Buddies?

[Shieldmaiden]

"Rotten"? That's a little harsh. I was just trying to help. I came into this hobby completely with no knowledge and have heard that guideline many different places so thought it may help.

I have learned a lot here but have also noticed that the older members are very tight-knit and tend to be harsh with newer members (if they bother to answer threads at all). Not everybody knows everything about loaches - that's why we're here.

acambias, good luck with your tank. I use the one-inch rule as a general guideline and have had very good luck with my fish. Just do a little research on the species before you let 'em loose.

This will be my last post. Luck to all!

[newshound]

alittle harsh perhaps but ppl coming on forums need thicker skin!

[chefkeith]

Every reputable fish forum on the internet has been trying to put the “the inch per gallon rule” myth to its death. Simplicity is the reason why myth’s like this live. Everyone loves simple answers, but unfortunately, fish keeping is quite complex.

[helen nightingale]

when i was new here everybody was very helpfull, kind and nice. they gave me good advice clearly.

on forums just as in everyday life, sometimes people have to hear things they dont always want to hear

[Diana]

The 'Inch per gallon' guideline has its uses, but is not the only thing to consider in stocking a tank. It has limitations, but when you understand those limitations, and do not excede those limitations, it works.
There are similar formulas to help figure fish stocking based on surface area. Again, when you understand how to use this formula, it works. Mis-apply it, and you can have a disaster and come to the conclusion that the formula was to blame.

[chefkeith]

I probably should of used some examples. Like try putting a 10- 2" fish , like baby Pacu's, in a 20 gallon tank. Or try putting one 20" pacu in a 20 gallon tank.

Petsmart at one time probably thought the inch per gallon rule was a good guide. They use to recommend a 10 gallon tank for clown loaches and a 30 gallon tank for the pacu's they sold. That's absolutely terrible advice they use to give based on that "inch per gallon rule" myth.

[chefkeith]

The rule of thumb is - Do the Research. Find out everything there is to know about the specific fish before buying it. The size of the fish means very little if it is a rapid swimming fish. For example, Bala sharks grow to 12”+, but they need plenty of space to swim. A 50 gallon tank wouldn’t be large enough to house even one Bala Shark because they don’t just swim; they dart around and jump out of the water. Atleast a 6ft tank would be needed for Bala's.