Spotted Raphael and Clown Loaches

[cichliddave100]

Can a put 3-4 clown loaches into my 55g tank with a 2.5" spotted Raphael? My concern is that the clown loaches will eat up all available food. Those would be the only bottom feeders. My Raphael is very nocturnal, and doesn't even creep out at feeding time. However he's obviously eating at night any leftover morsels.

So has anyone had any experience mixing these bottom feeders? I'd hate to get some clown loaches only to have them eat up any food the Raphael is snacking up at night.

 

[cohazard]

Ive kept small clowns in a 55 with a spotted raphael. I put sinking algae waffers, or shrimp pellets at night after lights out, this way I knew there would be food for the Raphael. Mine was nocturnal as well, but his 'hiding' spot was in plain view on a driftwood decoration during the day, and I could see he had a fat belly. HTH




Serg

 

[snitz55]

I have a raphael in my 45 gal with 4 cory's and a pleco. He has been doing fine. Rarely comes out during the day but seems to have some weight to him so he is getting food some how. I wouldn't worry about him.

 

[Seaman]

My raphael is the hardiest thing...i have a 7" pictus and 4 cories and a couple red claw crabs and i feed sparingly at night...and he has been with me for almost 2 years!!!