how many kuhlis in a 10 gallon?

I think 20 may be a little much. These guys stay small, but are extremely active given the right conditions. Also, they are kind of sensitive to water parameters, so the instability of a 10g with 20 in it would likely be difficult to control. I would suggest maybe 8-10?

I've had both the black and striped kuhlis... IME, the black ones are out a lot more during the day, while the striped ones are waaaaay more nocturnal. They are great little fish though! Good luck with them!

20??? No way!

I wouldn't put more than 3 or 4 in there personally, unless they are the ONLY fish in the tank. And then the max I'd do is 6.

JMO I guess. They are active guys and need space.

Lightning Bug said:

8-10, ya that sounds about right.

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I'm with rainbowcharmer: I'd go with no more than 4-6, assuming they're the only ones in the tank.

Lightning Bug said:

iv heard the stripped ones are more timid. thanks for that, i think iv made up my mind not to get any and just stick with the black ones.

8-10, ya that sounds about right. i was afraid of that. i really would like a whole swarm of them but i guess a 10 gallon is a pretty tight fit. that and i dont like doing massive water changes all the time. do you think if i pushed it to 12 id be ok? iv got a fluval u2 filter on it (its rated for up to 30 gallons) and iv got an airstone set up under/in some java moss so it acts like a CO2 ladder diffuser... except its for oxygen. do you think i can make it work or is 8-10 really that much better? thanks for the help by the way

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Honestly, I think the 10 side of 8-10 is pushing it. I would only go that high if your tank is heavily planted and you don't mind doing water changes. really, the water changes wouldn't have to be massive. If you did 2 or 3 gallons twice per week, I think you would be fine. Just make sure to feed appropriately and watch the params.

Also, I would recommend acclimating them slowly. They are sensitive little guys. I really enjoyed mine. This could be an awesome tank!

I hate to be a wet blanket, but I think that a 10 gallon is too small for a long term home for kuhli loaches. They really can get active and will swim quite quickly across the length of the tank and back again. I have about 30 in a 3 ft tank, and they can really fly around in there.

Have you considered some small tetras? Also, what about Corydoras habrosus? The habrosus are a pygmy cory. Mine are quite active and are not shy like my other pygmy cory, the Corydoras pygmaeus. Shrimp are another nice addition.

I agree, a 10 is too small. I have 7 kuhlis in a 20g long, that seems a minimum to me. I actually am setting up a 40g long for them ( & some others too)

I have six striped kuhlis in a 20 long, (and 3 angelfish so normal people have something to look at without crouching down and peering under stuff with a flashlight.) The kuhlis LOVE Indian Almond Leaves littering the tank floor. With tons of hide spots, my striped kuhlis zip around pretty often. Toss in a couple Hikari wafers and you've got a party!

Awww, I LOVE kuhlis! So squiggly and cute. Someday I'm gonna order a whole bag from a wholeseller, lol.
Anyway, My PERSONAL opinion is that you could put kuhlis in a 10, as long as the tank has been established for around 6 months, and it is well planted. This will mean it is more stable, as kuhlis can be a little sensitive. I would never have any less that 6 kuhlis in any size tank, as they as EXTREMELY social. They love dog piling under rocks and wood, and dancing together in the wee hours of the morning.
So, I would go with 6-8 kuhlis. After that, I would add a betta if you like, or if you want a little more action, a small school of some micro fish like chili rasboras or ember tetras.