Okie Dokie. I wish I had the time to reply to each reply individually. I don't think Clown Loaches are going to be my best option for tank mates with my south American cichlids. Wrong substrate is just one issue I have. The tank is now at 80°, there is plenty of airflow and water movement.
It's a learning experience. I've learned, research is priceless. So let me ask, what would be a good bottom feeder with my current stock? I want maybe a few Pictus Catfish, or something else? That'd work out well? Any advice is appreciated.
By normal parameters I meant PH is 7,no Ammonia, nitrite is very low, nitrates are steady. I don't have enough time to go into great detail.. Basically I change 30% of the water every Sunday. My fish have always appeared happy semi-agresive and healthy. But Clown Loaches unfortunately aren't for my tank. I've added as much as 5 and they die within a week. No I don't use any aquarium salt. Only frequent water changes. Yes to the poster that you mentioned the blood worms, I feed a varied diet... Especially with the Oscars. Seems the Loaches favor bloodworms over anything is why I mentioned it.
