Best Sized School - Clown Loaches

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T

tanglovers

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Dec 28, 2007
528
56
61
Michigan
Hi All,

I am trying to decide how many clown loaches of my collection to add to me new tank.

The new tank is 520 gallons - 96" x 42" x 30". It is very open aquascaping and is going to have a couple stingrays in there. There will also be a mix of south american cichlids in the tank (geos etc).

This tank is not going to be a clown loach dedicated tank but I do want a decent sized school. I have around 25ish clown loaches currently in a 180 that range from 4-7". I know I do not want this many in the new tank, I love them but it makes the tank a little too busy.

I am thinking around a dozen of my biggest ones but wanted some input.

There will be some hiding places but not a ton, it is a fairly open aquascaping.

Thanks!
 
please post pix of your loaches lol
 
The 520 wouldn't look as busy as the 180 does w/ 25 CLs. The tank is a lot bigger footprint. I'd start w/ 12 like you said and then go from there. If it's not enough, just add some more. Always easier to add more than it would be to take them out if you added too many.
 
I agree I am the boss. I was more asking will a dozen likely be enough to make them feel comfortable and school nicely? My group has been at 15+ most of the time I have had them.

Pic from a few weeks ago of part of the school. I will likely be parting with 10+ 4-5" clown loaches if anyone is interested - located in SW Michigan.

GEDC0062.jpg
 
how long did it take for them to grow that big?
 
I did not grow them out, I bought them near their current size as I found them.
 
you have full range to do what you want with a tank that size. I don't think there is a right or wrong answer.
 
I agree to start with 12 and go from there, I'm sure it's much easier to add to a 520 than to remove from a 520.
 
I agree. Will start with 12 and I can see adding a few. I will be keeping 15 or so of my big guys, moving out the 10 smallest (4-5") ones.
 
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