clown loaches

[koko]

Hi, I am new to the loach world. As a beginner tropical aquarium enthusiast, I rushed out and bought 3 clown loaches, 1 for me, and 1 each for my daughters. I have a 65 gallon tank with an internal filter. I have had the loaches for a month now, all seems really good so far. I do about 50% water changes weekly, their diet is varied, everyone seems happy. My main concern is that I have since been surfing the net only to find that these cute pets will grow huge and they have their own special requirements. A bit freaked out here, from what i am learning, they should be in groups of at least 5. Some sites are saying that they grow to about 6 inches, and this site has shown one that is 16inches. How long roughly does it take the clown loaches to reach full size, and how much per year will they grow? just wondering when I would need to upgrade the tank. I just bought this one recently. I have the loaches in with 2 little algae eaters and 2 angel fish, somehow i don't think i should have done that. I wish the store owner had warned me about the loaches. I will be going back to the store armed with info i have downloaded so that he understands exactly what it is he is selling. Please help, don't know what to do from here. I'm getting quite attached to these pets as are the children. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

[Diana]

Hi, Koko
A 65 is plenty big enough for quite a while.
Many sites do say 6", because many Clown Loaches do max out at about 6" when they are in aquariums.
They grow reasonably fast when they are young, then slow down.
I have mine in a 72 gallon tank with Discus and several other fish that thrive in the warm, soft water.

[shari2]

I keep angelfish with my clowns too, and they are decent tank mates. The only problem is that the angels really don't appreciate as much current or water movement as the clowns would like.

I agree with Diana. Your three will be fine in the 65 for a while. Gives you plenty of time to read up and decide where you want to go from here. It will be many years before they reach 12" or more.

And welcome to LOL.

[Pixelated_Pirate]

Koko,

I am sure they will be fine for as long as you have them. Idealy they like to be with other clown loaches, but 3 is fine. I known someone that had only 1 clown loach and it was fine, very active, and made friends with the other tank mates. It will not grow super large super fast. I'd be more worried about the algae eaters stealing the loaches food =P Just kidding. YOu sound like you have a pretty cool tank. Just read up on all your fish and plants (if you have any) before adding more etc. It is always good to know what you are getting into before your stuck and don't know what to do. But what can i say, clown loaches are just so cute and shouldn't be stuck in pet stores with barely anything in he tank =P. They like flowing water and are good jumpers, so keep that in mind.

[koko]

oh, thanks so much for the replies, it makes me feel a little more at ease now, phew . I guess then the only thing for me to do now is to get a stronger filter to add a little bit more water movement. I've got a really nice pentagon shape aquarium that I have planted reasonably well (at least i think so , i have a sandy bottom, and i have made plenty of hiding places for the loaches, i think they like it, they seem to be very active even during the day with the light on. Was wondering if I could add some Kuhli loaches in with them, since surfing this site, they seem really cute. Would that be wise, or do I have enough pets already in my tank. I still can't get the whole idea of gallons per inch of fish thing.

[connor]

I've got a really nice pentagon shape aquarium

Perhaps you could add a ~300 gph powerhead into the tank that moves the water in a circular way. The clowns would love it!

-Connor

[koko]

whilst on the topic of clown loaches, i have read that they should have 3 stripes, I have one with four, is this normal?

[Mark in Vancouver]

Not normal, but not unheard of. There are a zillion variations in the markings, and some collectors chose only clowns with oddball stripes - saddle markings, dots, etc...

[Emma Turner]

koko, you might find this an interesting read: http://www.loaches.com/articles/clown-l ... variations

Emma

[koko]

well thank goodness i found this site, and people who have a great understanding of these and different fish. I am so much more at ease now after reading suggested topics, and other topics in the forum. Many thanks to you all who make this a great site to visit

[Ded1]

I feel like a parasite, always using other people topics to put in my question.

I am planing to plant Eleocharis parvula or similar "carpet" plant in my tank. I guess loaches prefer sand and not carpet of plants. And my intention is to cover a great deal of my tank with "carpet".

How would that be for clown loaches? Not ideal I think, but I also think that it would not be to much of a problem for them ? Or am I wrong?

[shari2]

No it would not be a problem at all - for them.
There may be a problem for you, however. They like to root up plants, even java fern attached (quite firmly and for a long time, in fact) to wood they will get under and shove right off the wood.

I wish you the best, it sounds like a lovely idea, but I don't think it will hold up to the curiosity and tenacity of clowns who want to see what's underneath of it.

[Ded1]

Thank you for oppinion. Well, I will give it a try.
Maybe we will find a some kind of compromise. If nothing else, they will make me laugh again