May have to rehome my loaches

[Viv]

Hi,
I currently have a 75 gallon tank with 5 clown loaches, in addition I have several gourami and tiger barbs as dither fish, plus a two polka dot loaches and a couple of corydoras........it's stocked pretty tight, but I've had the fish for several years now with rarely any deaths or illness, those that did occur mostly did due to fighting amongst the same species (gourami's took one of their own out, and the barbs go crazy in the spring chasing each other, etc.)
However, I also have a common pleco, he gets along with everyone, but he's HUGE. I bought him ignorantly believing he would "take years" to grow, as the well known "reputable" store employee told me, and within a year he was a foot long.
I do frequent water changes and a feed very well (they get A LOT of fresh food, blanched veggies and cooked chopped shrimp, etc.) and everyone is continuing to grow...........I'm not in a position to upgrade my tank any time soon and I figured the loaches would be easier to place, since people seem to find them more "valuable" then a common pleco.
There is one stunted loach in the bunch I've had for about 5-6 years, but for the most part, they others are growing quickly and fairly large. I worry about providing the best care for them. (I saw one for sale about the size of my smallest for about $30)
I'm in the midwest, but will be honest that I prefer they go to someone who has lots of time and money to dote on these guys and would willingly give them to the right forever home. I want to make sure they are not broken up or just resold, but cherished as I am really attached to these guys and I really don't want to do this. Anyone interested?

[Katy]

It might help if you posted where you are...

[Viv]

Oops.....sorry, I'm in Chicago, IL . I find the whole thing really stressful, I don't want to give them up, but feel like my pleco may start to harass them the bigger they get. Of the few deaths I've had in years, one was my Pleco killing an algea eater, but they never got along......he seems to like the loaches, but everyone is getting bigger and BIGGER. I know they are intelligent animals and bonded to one another, and I know the "ethical" fish store is more interested in making a sale, they weren't honest with me regarding the Pleco.......so I though if I'm going to try this, it's better to find someone myself.

Plus, I think they would be easier to rehome than a Pleco and if someone has a great loach oriented set up, who had even more loaches (since they really like to school) I would love for them to go to a great forever home......seems like if there's someone out there, I'd find them here.

[digcolnagos]

Viv,

Check your mailbox. I think I can help.

[OneWay]

Likewise I sent a PM yesterday

[tanyaq2000]

since you're in Chicago, I'd contact the aquarium and ask if they'd take the pleco....I'd never give up my dojos (12 in a 125) over a common pleco (which I have 2 of) (no offense)...also, find someone who has a pond, they'd appreciate the pleco....best of luck to you but please don't give up what makes you happy

[Gary Mck]

I was thinking the same thing, why would you give up 5 clowns that you obviously like very much for the sake of 1 pleco.