New loach owner here and Question

[crabs]

I have fallen in love with weather loaches . and now have 4, two dark and two gold. they are great I am at the moment setting up a much bigger thank for them and want to know if there are any other type of loaches that can live in cold water with my weather loache's and gold fish ?

[Fran]

Hillstreams are cooler temp loaches, but I believe they like a lot of water current. Not sure if that is good for the weather loaches, and don't think the goldfish will be too happy with a heavy current either. Look it up and see what you find out.

[DainBramage1991]

The weather loaches will be perfectly happy with the currents, they are river fish after all. The golds probably won't be too happy about it, though.

[crabs]

I read they are also called butterfly loaches and will help control Algae which i could do with. is it ok to get just one?

[DainBramage1991]

Loaches are not algae eaters as a general rule (hillstream loaches possibly excepted). They require a balanced diet of both plant and animal matter. If you are looking for algae control, add a small pleco. Be sure that the species you select will not outgrow your tank.

Also, loaches are NOT solitary creatures. They need to be kept in groups in order to thrive. 3 individuals is the minimum for most species, but more is always better within the limits of your tank capacity.