Aquascaping guide for loaches?

[genEus]

I know how skittish my (now 8) zebra loaches are. I love them to death but I wish I saw more of them! I have enough hiding places for them to hide and rest, which means I don't see them nearly as much as I'd like. The only way I actually see all of them and can check up on them is when I throw them a piece of shrimp or some other tasty treat, right in the front of the tank. All eight of them come out to the front to tear it up!

So I was wondering what I could do, if anything, to change up my environment so that the loaches would be happy and have enough shade/hiding places to feel safe and yet so that I would see more of them.

I put up a cell phone pic of what my tank looks like. If you have some ideas, please throw them out. Maybe more subdued lighting? Maybe darker gravel?

Thanks!

 

[ewurm]

I'd give them some time, and add some more deco. Lots of driftwood.

 

[Verbosity]

It took mine in two different tanks about 8 months before they were commonly seen.

 

[genEus]

It took mine in two different tanks about 8 months before they were commonly seen.

Wow! And how many did you have in each tank?

Actually my guys are seen all the time. MUCH better than the two Yo-Yo loaches I had that hid all the time... I was just wondering if people had suggestions for improvement, that's all... Perhaps someone would say that they hate bright lights, or love dark gravel, or something along those lines.

 

[Lupin]

Well, two yoyos isn't exactly a group. They can become unhappy in such a small number which explained why yours don't show up much when it is typical for them to be seen parading around a lot.

 

[genEus]

Well, two yoyos isn't exactly a group. They can become unhappy in such a small number which explained why yours don't show up much when it is typical for them to be seen parading around a lot.

Yeah but I thought they would socialize with the zebra loaches but the didn't... So I took them back and took zebra guys. I adore them, except they're not "show" fish in that, whenever someone walks buy they always ask "are you going to get any fish??" and I'm like "umm.. yeah, there is fish in there, they're just afraid of YOU!"

 

[Lupin]

Yeah but I thought they would socialize with the zebra loaches but the didn't... So I took them back and took zebra guys. I adore them, except they're not "show" fish in that, whenever someone walks buy they always ask "are you going to get any fish??" and I'm like "umm.. yeah, there is fish in there, they're just afraid of YOU!"

You crack me up.

 

[ewurm]

I think the Zebras will get used to your presence.

 

[Muske]

Darker substrate might help. I use just regular pea gravel, and all my Yo-Yo's are out. The color is pretty bright like yours. Just add a little more wood and a couple of little plants. The best thing will be time.