clown loach troubles

[?ishe?]

:sad my clown loach used to be so happy now he just sits on a rock and sits there and it wont even eat off the ground barely eats at all can anyone give me some advice to make him happier

 

[StreetCypher]

They need to be in groups.
Also, they need a big tank.
Can you tell us the water parameters, tank size, tankmates and recent changes (new fish, products). And then maybe someone can help.

 

[falcon]

Three is a good number. I had two and they were more shy and reserved. Added the third one and it made a difference.

You can put them in any tank you want but I would have at least a 20g. Start small, once they grow(should be fine for a year or so), trade them in to your lfs and get smaller ones.

falcon

 

[?ishe?]

could i get a banded /zebra loach and will that due cuz i cant find cheap clowneys so would they get along:shake:

 

[StreetCypher]

A 20g is way too small for clown loaches. At LEAST a 65g is recommended from according to this database.

http://www.aquariacentral.com/species/db.cgi?db=fresh&uid=default&ID=0315&view_records=1

 

[StreetCypher]

You could get a small group (a few) of zebra loaches and put your clown up for adoption or return him. Zebras don't grow nearly as large as clowns.

 

[?ishe?]

dont they get along alright my LFS says so
cant i just put some in my clown is so skinny now
same with my false upside down catfish
synodontis nigreeta or something like that oh yeah i have a 103 galon tank

 

[kikuchiyo]

Uh...no...zebra loaches won't make your clown loaches happier.

It's not just lonliness, I think. You have not posted your water parameters or anything. It sounds ill.

 

[StreetCypher]

i agree, sounds like a sick fish.

 

[?ishe?]

well i had my water teseted at the LFS and he said nothings wrong


Could this be because of aquarium salt
he is rubbing his self on things so I asked a freind (very good aquarium specialist) he said ich or Red spot