Kuhli Loach Tank

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mcps95

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Jun 16, 2004
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I've done it. I've discovered an unclaimed spot in my apartment (on a sturdy dresser) that is just begging for a 10-20 gallon tank.

So, I've been thinking about doing a small, species-only, Kuhli Loach tank. (Planning tanks is one of my favorite parts of the hobby.) Here's what I'm thinking:

- 10gal tank (worried about the weight of a 20gal on the dresser; figure a 10gal shouldn't be a problem)
- sand substrate
- live plants -- possibly some micro swords and crypts/anubias

What I need is some input on the other details (or suggestions/revisions to the above).

- What kind of filter? I've been looking at the Penguin Mini and the Aqua Clear Mini, and also the Eheim Aquaball. Since it will be in a bedroom, I'd like it to be rather quiet, but don't mind a little water noise.
- What kind of live plants would work? What kind of lighting would be required?
- Other decor/equipment good for kuhli loaches?
- Heater concerns; should I get a heater with a "guard" on it so the kuhlis don't get burned? I'm thinking a heater by itself in there might cause problems.

Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Mike
 
Don't know your water perameters but both anubias and java fern do well without strong lighting. A piece of driftwood for them to burrow under/lay on would be nice and some small peaceful dither fish.
 
Just curious -
I love khuli loaches too and have 3 in my 55g which i rarely see because they hide under a log all day or bury themselves in the substrate - do you think a khuli only tank will be a little boring because they aren't the most outgoing fish?
 
I was a little concerned about this too, which is another reason I'd rather go with a 10gal (as long as I wouldn't be pushing my luck with having a small group of them in there). I think a small group would be harder to miss in a 10gal tank.

I've become very interested in keeping loaches (have 3 clowns in my 55gal, and have been heavily researching other loach species). I'd be willing to consider other loach species that would work in a 10gal, but I have a feeling that tank size is too small for any of the others.

While we're on the subject, how big of a group would work in a 10gal? (I'm thinking somewhere in the 3-6 range.)
 
I think you'd be ok in the 3-6 range also - i wouldn't consider them messy eaters and i don't think they produce all that much of a bio load


even in a 10 these little buggers might be hard to find they are masterful at hiding

i can't think of any other loaches that will fit in a 10 - but khulis come in different types

maybe something small swimming in the upper part of the tank might keep it exciting and then when you see your khulis it will be even more cool - that's how i feel when i actually see mine! but see how it goes if you find it dull you can always figure out a way to make the tank more interesting!
 
mcps95 said:
I was a little concerned about this too, which is another reason I'd rather go with a 10gal (as long as I wouldn't be pushing my luck with having a small group of them in there). I think a small group would be harder to miss in a 10gal tank.

I've become very interested in keeping loaches (have 3 clowns in my 55gal, and have been heavily researching other loach species). I'd be willing to consider other loach species that would work in a 10gal, but I have a feeling that tank size is too small for any of the others.

While we're on the subject, how big of a group would work in a 10gal? (I'm thinking somewhere in the 3-6 range.)
Click to expand...
I think this is a great idea.. A small school of maybe 5 loaches would be cool but if you went larger.. lets say a 20 long, it would be cool to have the loaches and maybe a school of Zebra Danios or Tiger barbs. I like the idea of keeping asian fish together. :) or if you do the 10, maybe the loaches, with either a paradise fish or Betta.
 
yeah something up top would look awesome to compliment the loaches! a small shoal of tiger barbs , zebras, or small tetras - this way you have something to look at and when the khulis make an appearance it is sort of "special" with out being boring waiting for them to pop out - i don't like tiger barbs but for some reason i do like the idea of them in this set up because of their color
just some possibilities jumping to mind right now
a few platies
zebras - try the long finned gold one they are nice
tiger barbs
small tetras - flame tetras are pretty, hatchet fish are cool looking, lemon tetras etc


i think this tank is going to be very cool either way - keep us posted pls!
 
Interested in breeding them? If so--I'd go with small sized gravel. My colony keeps reproducing--the solids, anyway--in a moderately planted tank with small gravel, lots of driftwood and stacks of rocks. I honestly have no clue how many are in the 40--I've pulled out around 10 of them and put them in a 55 with a sand substrate--and no more babies. In the 40, I saw 6-7 at last nights feeding--I know there are more in there, and several age classes. All from a pair put in a few years back.

Otherwise--if there aren't fish in there to bug them, they are very social and active. The solids more so than the stripes, but both are active fish.
 
Oriongirl, I'm definitely interested in breeding them (have started looking into this, and it seems they are virtually the only loaches that regularly breed in captivity), and that's why I think I'll try a kuhli-only tank for starters.

Most of what I've read/seen in photos has kuhlis paired with a sand substrate, so I figured this is what they prefered. However, I'm certainly okay with using small gravel. Any theories on whether it's the sand substrate or the other fish in the tank that make them less-inclined to breed?

Also, still would like any ideas on filters, lighting, etc.

Thanks everyone for helping me better plan this tank!

Mike
 
I too am a big fan of khulis and have seen them in both sand and flourite substrates and the happiest they looked was in a freshly made flourite tank...granted the flourite was unwashed and had a thick layer of "dust" which settled on top. For the days that it lasted the khulis looked SOOOOOO happy! digging in it and burying themselves only to pop out a little bit later. The sand seemed a little to heavy for them to do that in and a little thick for them to suck through their mouth and blow out their gills.
Based on those experiences, if I were to do a khuli tank I would make sure to use the lightest and softest substrate possible, which would be some type of regular dirt on top of a gravel base. Obviously you'd need enough dirt to fill in the cracks of the substrate and provide an extra 1/4 - 1/2 inch on top of that.

Only downside to this would be the color would enable the khulis to blend in even more...


On the topic of plants I would use ones that are more horizontal than vertical...
perhaps a few melon swords, crypts and vals, anubias would provide to much coverage for them IMHO and u'll never see them.

I agree with posts for a mid/top swimmer to make the plant more attractive. Personally I think this is one of the few tanks where a betta would be the PERFECT fit.

For a background I'd highly recommend styrofoam+cement - once you try it you'll wonder how you ever lived with a painted or tape on background before!
 
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