many loach questions i have !!!!

[syddakyd]

i have many years experience with fish but not so much with loaches. i have only had a baby clown loach once that i relocated when i dismantled the tank.

anyways. i happened across "skunk botias" today. there were about 10 of them and 1 inch long only $1.79. i did some research on them and may get some tomorrow.


i am setting up a 125 by december and had been thinking of a loach/cichlid tank but was unsure if it would work.

i know everyone is going to say "schooling fish must be in groups of 6 or more" but if i get a few of each kind how will that work.

and, areall loaches compatable aggression wise?

i know hillstreams need colder water as with dojos but i am talking about the rest...


also, do these "false eels" like fire eels, zig zag eels, etc. have any relation to loaches? it seems they have the same face just long bodies...and also are they compatable.


and for my last question...besides my parrot cichlid and african knife....what type of cichlids would do well with loaches assuming the loaches dont fit in their mouth.




sorry for so many questions but i rather get info first then waste lives and money

[Lupin]

anyways. i happened across "skunk botias" today. there were about 10 of them and 1 inch long only $1.79. i did some research on them and may get some tomorrow.
I posted more information about this fish in one of the loach stickies. Think twice before you want these little terrors.


i am setting up a 125 by december and had been thinking of a loach/cichlid tank but was unsure if it would work.
What species have you decided so far?


i know everyone is going to say "schooling fish must be in groups of 6 or more" but if i get a few of each kind how will that work.
A few of each will work fine but the best results are always in a group of 5 or more per species.


and, areall loaches compatable aggression wise?
No. You will want to consider the activity level, temperament and other requirements per species.


also, do these "false eels" like fire eels, zig zag eels, etc. have any relation to loaches? it seems they have the same face just long bodies...and also are they compatable.
No, they don't. Serpentine bodied loaches certainly will not fare well with the eels mentioned who may attempt to swallow them. Besides most loaches of botiine genus are very feisty and can harass their tankmates.


and for my last question...besides my parrot cichlid and african knife....what type of cichlids would do well with loaches assuming the loaches dont fit in their mouth.
Check one of my sticky threads.

[syddakyd]

thanks for your help lupin, the more i looked into it..the more i became less excited about it. it would of just looked cool to have different species/colours/sizes roaming around together.


as it stands i will prolly turn the 125 into all central/ south american cichlids with one large sailfin pleco.

[bluekrissyspike]

yeah, i wouldn't mix skunk loaches with too many other species. if you are going to keep your clown, keep him with some others of the species. they are great entertainment and a wonderful addition to the tank and a 125 could house them for a very long time. clowns have some really fascinating and complex social behaviours that are great fun to sit back and enjoy.

[fishorama]

Many years ago we had skunk loaches. We tried to keep them with community fish, firemouths, dempsey even a kennyi. Way to aggressive for all.

Someday I'd like to try again eithar a species tank or a "mean loaches" one with modestas & tigers. Is that what you have together, Lupin?

[Lupin]

Someday I'd like to try again eithar a species tank or a "mean loaches" one with modestas & tigers. Is that what you have together, Lupin?
Yep. Skunks will definitely work with these terrors. And please don't handfeed these fish, their bites are nasty.:headshake2:

[syddakyd]

ok so i couldnt stop thinking about them and i did the research and bought all 8 of them, lol. they are small babies about 1 inch each. my friend gave me his 29g and i set it up real nice with rocks, wood, plants. i will post pics in the pic forum this week. i read they get up to max 4 inches and my tank should be fine. worst comes to worst i can always drop them in my 40 or 125


also, i am planning on getting 10 tiger barbs and 1 red tail shark. this will be a semi-aggressive cyprinid community. any fish that don't get along....i have other tanks to seperate.

so in conclusion


29g -

8 skunk loaches
10 tiger barbs
1 red tail shark

[Lupin]

The tankmates are fine. Skunks aren't exactly the fastest growing loaches but at 2.5 inches and above, they will eventually need your 40g or even larger. Just don't mix them with anything else. Skunks can handle the red-tailed black shark effectively.

[fishorama]

I think they may be jumpers too, beware the skunks! Good luck to your shark.