Do kuhli loaches have to have a sandy bottom?

[fishkeeper55]

I was reading about kuhli loaches because I have putting 4 in my tank..but I was wondering...do they have to have sand on the bottom of the tank? I have a rocky bottom but the rocks are not sharp. Would this work?

I am getting plants today!! horray!

[JinxXx0085]

I had loaches in both gravel and sand. The only difference you could see is that the loaches could sort of sift the sand through their gills for morsels. It was cool to watch. Although the loaches will live happily in gravels providing that they're not sharp like you mentioned. Plently of hiding places will be make them happier and feel secure.
Giddy up on getting the loaches and plants! :thm:

[fishkeeper55]

thanks!! I am really excited! My 4 cycling platies should be in my tank by Wed.!!! the loaches I am Qing after I Q the gourami..the neons are last!

[YuccaPatrol]

My brown kuhlis are just fine in small round gravel. when I moved them to their new aquarium, I was surprised to discover that they can dive right into and hide in gravel (I thought they could only do this in sand)

I still haven't caught that one and moved him yet!

[fishkeeper55]

will they die under the rocks? 8|. lol..i'm just wondering :)


EDIT: I'm getting striped kuhlis

[Betta-Luvn]

Nope. I have one Giant rock leaning againest the side of my tank and its fallen once because of my Kuhli. He decided to bury himself underneath it. But when it fell he just went under the gravel and hid himself until i picked the rock up. So unless your kuhli isnt very bright then i wouldnt worry about it.

[fishkeeper55]

ooo..I just thought of something. Are kuhli loaches bottom feeders? it doesn't matter if they are..I just wanted to know!! I am trying to read up on them but can't find anything about that!

[Betta-Luvn]

Yes they are bottom feeders.

[fishkeeper55]

that's good because I have no bottom feeders! thanks betta luvin! I love bettas too! Mine is a crown-tail betta! he is a cutie :)

[Betta-Luvn]

Really? I just got a new Rescued pair from wal-mart. They are in ruff shape. Very Gorgeous pair though. Male is a CT Royal Blue in color with a Black Head, Female is Also Royal Blue CT, But her tail has rays of red