Dojo Loach & bottom of tank

[Patches]

I have recently picked up a Dojo Loach and added it to my community tank. I have been reading on this site that they prefer a softer gravel bottom to bury under.

I am currently using aquarium gravel and was looking for suggestions on what I can add to a 46 G. tank bottom that the Dojo might like but would be ok for the rest of my fist, which include (Bala sharks, Red Eyes, Clown Loaches, Lg. Columbian Tetras, Sissor Tail Raspora, Zebra & Lepeard Danios, a couple Sword tails and an alge eater)?

Any suggestions would be appreaciated along with the best way to introduce the material in the tank as I am new to having Aquariums.

Thanks

[Blue]

I have recently picked up a Dojo Loach and added it to my community tank. I have been reading on this site that they prefer a softer gravel bottom to bury under.

I am currently using aquarium gravel and was looking for suggestions on what I can add to a 46 G. tank bottom that the Dojo might like but would be ok for the rest of my fist, which include (Bala sharks, Red Eyes, Clown Loaches, Lg. Columbian Tetras, Sissor Tail Raspora, Zebra & Lepeard Danios, a couple Sword tails and an alge eater)?

Any suggestions would be appreaciated along with the best way to introduce the material in the tank as I am new to having Aquariums.

Thanks

Bala sharks, clown loaches and CAEs should not be kept in a 46 gallons. What algae eater do you have anyway? If CAE, it should not be kept in a community tank where it'll likely harass its other tankmates as it matures. Balas and clowns are far too large for that tank.

[Diana]

Most of those fish do not really care what the substrate is. Clown Loaches and Dojos will dig or burrow. Sand of the finest gravel is generally better. If you can find a small rounded gravel (1/8 to 3/16") Would work well. Look in landscape centers, rock and masonry yards, soils and similar places. Pool filter sand works well. It is graded so the particles are mostly a uniform size. This is important because the particles will tend not to settle and form anaerobic areas. Play sand (occasionally suggested for aquariums) has multiple particle sizes, and can compact, reducing the water flow through the substrate, and encouraging anaerobic conditions.

As to how to add it to the tank, I would wash it well, then remove perhaps 1/4 of your existing gravel and replace it with the sand or fine gravel. Some sort of divider will help, such as a row of stones, or a piece of driftwood. Sand especially will settle lower and lower, sifting under and through the larger gravel until it is all sort of mixed, with the sand on the bottom. If you want to totally change all the substrate you could do 1/4 of it every week or two, and probably not have to tear down the tank, or you could take the tank apart, fish into buckets and so on, and change it all in one day. This is the way I usually do things like this.

Another factor is important here, besides the sizes of the fish: Different species prefer different temperatures. Research here at LOL to be sure, but Dojos are cool water fish and Clowns are very warm, tropical water fish. If their needs overlap at all, it is a very narrow range.

Another issue: As fast as Danios are, eventually they may get eaten. They are too small compared to the other fish. (Balas and Clown Loaches can reach a foot long)