I need help planning a loach tank

[serissime]

This summer, I’m planning on getting a 20 gallon L. I really want to make it a loach tank. However, I’m not seeing much on 20gal tanks. I would love to get something bigger but I live in university housing over the school year and the max is 20 gallons. Honestly, no one ever comes into our rooms and 30 gallons really doesn’t look too big… but I don’t know if I want to risk it. Even though I really want to!

Any stocking suggestions for peaceful loaches and dithering fish? I’m okay with overstocking to a certain extent. I would like the dwarf chain loaches but I’ve never seen them in any of my LFS and I don’t want to get fish shipped in if at all possible. I would like something like yoyos or angelicus if possible. I feel like they might be too big for a 20 gal.

If my tank seems possible, I have some more questions (regarding setup and equipment)! (Actually, a lot)

(my first post!)

 

[cam191919]

do you mean you want to keep a group of one type of loach, or several types? both would be kinda hard in only a 20 gallon

how are you okay with stocking it to a certain extent, its the fish that mind

as for questions, ask away. theirs no such thing as too many questions here. btw, welcome to AC

 

[Lupin]

Only loaches that'll fit there are hillstream loaches, dwarf chain or kuhli loaches.

 

[serissime]

cam191919: I meant a school of one type.

Lupin: I may one day be able to afford dwarf chain loaches, but may end up with kuhlie instead. In either case, I have some more questions about setup.

Do you have experience with either of them? Which do you prefer?

 

[Lupin]

Having been into loaches for almost a decade already, I prefer dwarf chains. Kuhlis are just as fun though.

 

[H3D]

Having been into loaches for almost a decade already, I prefer dwarf chains. Kuhlis are just as fun though.

You been keeping loaches since you were 6? :rofl:

 

[Lupin]

You been keeping loaches since you were 6? :rofl:

I said almost, H. 12 if you don't mind.

 

[serissime]

Sooo I'm okay at the fishkeeping part but I'm terrible at the fishplanning part. If we decide to keep kuhli loaches, what numbers should we get? I want a school of small swimming fish, but more important is the loaches. Small rasboras or tetras if possible is what I'm looking for.

What sort of filtration setup is recommended?

 

[Lupin]

I'd keep 5 as the minimum number. Usually, for me, sponge filter is sufficient enough.

 

[DrNo]

Lupin <----- Loach master