How many clown loaches?

[naps]

How many clown loaches can i put in an 80g?? I have 3 that I will be moving over from my 20g and I want to get more, but I don't want to over do it seeing that they do get big.
What I want:
Temp80-82
nicely planted with large piece of root for the loaches to use as a cave
4-5 angels
20 cardinal tetras
10 diamond tetras
2 blue rams
1 fancy pleco
6 clown loaches
Do you think I should add 3 more to the 3 that I have???

Also I have just flourite as substrate, should I just leave it as is, or would the loaches like some larger substrate on top?? I really would like to just leave the Flourite, but I want to make the loaches as happy as possible.
Thanks for your help!!

[clayt101]

I think you are okay :)

[born2lovefish]

Put at least 6 loaches in. When they outgrow your tank down the road just sell them and then get some more. Big loaches go for some what of a lot. I have 5 2-3 inch ones in a 75 gallon. I wish I had tons more!

[YoFishboy]

I have 5 small clown loaches in a 75g right now too...they will be moved up to the 180g in a few months. Loaches are great! They are on my shortlist of fish to always have!

[naps]

Is it better to have an even or odd # of loaches, or does it not matter?
This by far is my favorite fish, and I want to have a bunch, but I want them to be as happy as possible too, so I don't want to over do it either, which I could easily do :Angel:

[YoFishboy]

Always plant in odd numbers...create a visual triangle to draw the eye...oh wait, that was what my Bonsai Sensai taught me...hehe..nevermind, even or odd is fine!

[archer772]

You are right clowns do get BIG but they also grow very slow with that being said I would think you could have up 8-9 in your tank when I kept them in my 55 I would try to keep 7-8 but since I am breeding angels I cant keep anything in with them since they kill everything I put in with them but I will get some more if I set up another tank but right now I have 3 up and running and out of room.

[born2lovefish]

Personally I like to always always have an odd number of the same species. At least 3 is my rule of thumb, but with clowns I would say go with at least 5.