im a newbie to fish keeping so i bought my tank and finished the fishless cycle and was thinking of getting two clown loaches but ive read there suspectible to ich so could i put in a ich treatment first then put in the fish after? any advice appreiciated
clown loaches
- Thread starter fish crazy
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clown loaches do best in groups of 5 or more and, though they grow slowly, can attain lengths of 8-9 inches. in my opinion, this dictates a tank of at least 75 gallons to properly house these fish.
putting ich medication in a tank that has no fish in it serves no purpose.
putting ich medication in a tank that has no fish in it serves no purpose.
i have a 30 gal and going to house 2 clown loaches or is that to small let me know as you lot are experienced and im only a beginner
I'd like to see the sites that say you need 5 clown loaches for them to be happy.
loaches online
It is very helpful to buy Clown Loaches in pairs, since they are happiest with a companion.
But I still think they would prefer the 75 gallon tank, 30 might be okay for now but it would benefit them to start off in the 75.
The less you move them around the better, less stress equals better health.
loaches online
It is very helpful to buy Clown Loaches in pairs, since they are happiest with a companion.
But I still think they would prefer the 75 gallon tank, 30 might be okay for now but it would benefit them to start off in the 75.
The less you move them around the better, less stress equals better health.
also..do not use conventional ich meds with loaches. they have a "skin" instead of scales and the meds are more toxic. I would not treat with any medications if not needed. It's best to prevent ich, and you can do that by introducing them into a properly cycled tank to avoid stress. The best ich treatment is with salt and elevating temps..see the stickey at the top of the forum.
The 75G minimum is definately ideal but you could easily house 4 or so in your 30 for a few years at least. Larger clowns are highly sought after so you will have no problem selling them if they get too large. If you get clowns, you need to be committed to maintenance and doing frequent large partial water changes. Clowns need clean fresh water to avoid growth stunting and sickness. I change 35% of my water 1 or 2 times a week.
Also, DO NOT use clowns to cycle the tank. They are too delicate.
EDIT: I see you did the fishless cycle. :thm:
Also, DO NOT use clowns to cycle the tank. They are too delicate.
EDIT: I see you did the fishless cycle. :thm:
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I argee get a few clowns and in a few years probably 5+ you may need a bigger tank or at worst take them back and trade them in for a batch of fresh one.
Instead of getting fish that will outgrow your tank, try a smaller but similar fish, such as a zebra loach (botia striata). They only get to about 3" so you could put 3 comfortably in your tank (since they also like to be in groups) and keep them their whole lives. They are very entertaining and are good community fish :thm:
