Wanting to set up a new Loache tank

[Joe Khul]

Hello all,

I am a new member, but have been lurking here for a few weeks. Love this site, although it has helped fuel my loach obsession. I have been a Kuhli Loache-aholic for about 30 years. I have always had at least 4 kuhli's in my tanks at any gvien time over the years. Recently I read that a kuhli loache is happier in longer tanks with a minmum of 6 to 12 fellows in a school. I currently have a 15 gallon tank that is approx 18 inches square and approx 36 inches tall. I have four kuhi's, along with 1 green cory, 2 ottocincles (sp), 4 black neons, and 4 rummy nose tetras, and 3 guppies. Tis a bit crowded in there I know.

What is the bare minimum I need to get a loache tank up and running so my lil guys are happier? I am also wanting to add some other loaches to a new set up, but am undecided as to what I want to go with (much in part to all the wonderful knowledge I am gleening for this simply fabulous site ).

Thanks in advance,

Mike aka Joe Kuhl (named after my very first Kuhli)

PS - Off topic - Is there any way to correct the spelling in my username. I sometimes type faster then I should and dont always catch spelling errors unti it is too late.

[starsplitter7]

Hey there Joe Kuhli,

I can't answer your questions, but I wanted to let you know that when you get a bigger tank for your Kuhlies, get a big enough tank to add 3-5 more Cories (preferably the same species). They also like to school. At least two, but the more the merrier. Mine travel in packs: eat together, sleep together, play together. . . . The same for the Otos and the tetras. I have 10 Otos and they travel in a herd also.

I have 5 species of Pangios together in a tank with a sand bottom, java moss and floating anacharis and hornwort. There's a coconut hut and a piece of driftwood, and they seem very happy. They loach dance every morning and evening. During the day the lounge in the bogwood, coconut hut or under the sand. All five species hang out together, snack on shrimp pellets and flakes.

Tanja.

[Mark in Vancouver]

I keep four species of kuhli together in a densely planted 30 gallon. I don't think I'd want to keep them in a smaller tank. I used "play sand" as a substrate - bought at a hardware store and then rinsed, and rinsed, and rinsed. Two large bits of bogwood provide shelter, and there are java ferns and java moss growing on both of these, so the floor of the tank is quite shady. Where light manages to penetrate, grassy plants grow.

The tank is also home to a number of Amano shrimp, and used to have a small school of cardinal tetras and a number of Otos. These have all, over the years, moved along.

Welcome to LOL, Mike.

[Mark in Vancouver]

And PS - You may need to re-register to get your login name correct. Otherwise, you can send an email to the site administrator, Jeff, who may be able to do this for you.

[Emma Turner]

Hi Mike, welcome to Loaches Online.

To contact Jeff (the webmaster), you can use this email address: comments@aquaweb.pair.com He may be able to sort out your log in name.

Emma

[Joe Khul]

Thank you to Tanya, Mark, and Emma for your responses! Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.

... now how do i tell the wife I need to add a third, BIGGER tank
2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 birds, two fish tanks.... it sorta violates the ark formula we appear to be following at present.

Thanks again,

Mike

[zmo63]

I just moved my six kuhlis from a 20gallon to 40. They were always one of my favorite fish, but now I can't stop watching them!

I think the differences, aside from the added space, is that there's more to 'do' in the new tank. I got driftwood with lots of little cracks and crevices and tunnels, and they make use of it all. They also seem to really enjoy the sand, and spend a lot of time sifting it through their gills.

I thought I was doing ok by them before - lots of plants and a few hideouts, but it seems like I've now thrown them onto a kuhli playground, and they really seem to appreciate everything about it.

so my recommendations are to just give them as much 'stuff' to explore as possible. And sand. And then take lots of pictures

[starsplitter7]

Thank you to Tanya, Mark, and Emma for your responses! Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.

... now how do i tell the wife I need to add a third, BIGGER tank
2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 birds, two fish tanks.... it sorta violates the ark formula we appear to be following at present.

Thanks again,

Mike

You are not even close to your critter quota yet. I have two cats, 2 ferrets, 2 crabs, 2 Bibbron Geckos, 1 Bearded Dragon, and 7 fish tanks. Just add two fish tanks and all them shrimp tanks and you'll be in ark business.

I put a piece of choya wood in the tank (after boiling it) and with all the holes the kuhlies have a great time. The swim in and out and sometimes three or four will sit with their heads popped out the top, . . . Very cute.

[Joe Khul]

I have a quota now? echi wah wah

[Joe Khul]

Thank you Zmo! I am looking at either a 75 gallon or a 125 gallon setup currently. Your advice is greatly appreciated!!

Mike

[Rychek]

I really boils down to what you can fit in your home and what you want to keep in the tank. The Kuhlis would love either tank, but the 125 gives you the options of larger loaches (like clowns). then again, you could put a LOT of Kuhlis in either tank.

[Joe Khul]

Thanks Rychek.
I am lobbying for the 125 gallon right now. It is beneficial that I have a wife that likes animals and can be easily persuaded in this regard

[bullisbm]

Thank you to Tanya, Mark, and Emma for your responses! Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.

... now how do i tell the wife I need to add a third, BIGGER tank
2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 birds, two fish tanks.... it sorta violates the ark formula we appear to be following at present.

Thanks again,

Mike

That's it?
Oh yeah no where near close to the quota.

4 dogs
4 cats
1 Beardy
1 Degu
4 tanks.

[YoyoGirl]

I keep four species of kuhli together in a densely planted 30 gallon. I don't think I'd want to keep them in a smaller tank. I used "play sand" as a substrate - bought at a hardware store and then rinsed, and rinsed, and rinsed. Two large bits of bogwood provide shelter, and there are java ferns and java moss growing on both of these, so the floor of the tank is quite shady. Where light manages to penetrate, grassy plants grow.
.

I second the play sand! I have little baby Yoyos and they <3 the sand. They're always rooting around in it. I threw in some borrowing snails and love watching them hunt the little guys through the sand. I love the little guys. If you like the Kuhlis (and if they're compatable) you might want to get some of them too.

[Joe Khul]

"That's it?
Oh yeah no where near close to the quota.

4 dogs
4 cats
1 Beardy
1 Degu
4 tanks."

Thing is, the village I live in has a restriction on the number of dogs and cats I am allowed to keep with out a permit. If I had my way I would have at least 5 more beagles. Since I am at my limit, I content myself with more fish, until the day they restrict that as well.

That being said, I am going to probably have to restrict myself to a 75 gallon tank due to weight issues.

A few questions concerning a new set up:
Can I use water from my 15 gallon set up to shave off some of the cycling time for a 75 gallon set up?
What fish are recommended for cycling such a large aquarium?
What are good components to purchase?

I know I am asking a ton questions here and there, but a lot has changed since I used to entertain this hobby. Once opon a time you could set a 10 gallon with under gravel filtration, aged water, and 10 inches of fish. Ah how I miss the darker ages of this hobby

Mike