Clown loach help

[Hoplo]

My clown loaches don't come out very much to play any more compared to when they were younger, I know they are known for not coming out much, but could this be a sign that something is wrong with them?
(I have about 9 clown loaches at the moment)

If not is there an easy way of getting them to be more active?
(would adding a couple of loaches of a different more active kind work, or would they not school together?)

 

[MHDevelopments]

Interesting. Normally they are fairly active all the time, especially once established from my experience. Have you added any boisterous tank mates?

 

[Pomatomus]

How big are they? I have had schools that are mostly nocturnal, but I have also had loaches that hide when they're sick.

 

[Hoplo]

They are a mix of 3-5 cm fish, there tank mates are a couple of small L114 pleco's, and a large school of small tetras (neons, cardinals, rummy noses)

 

[Coryloach]

How long have you had them for?
Mine are totally nocturnal activity wise. They would be out very early morning like 3, 4am till the lights come on at lunch. And because I've had the same regime light wise the clowns are like clockwork. They also come out about half an hour before light off as if they know the light is going to go off. And of course, like all clowns they would have on and off times out during the day.
But I wouldn't worry if they don't come out during the day or lights on, etc... But they should be begging for food each day at some time depending...(they love schedule) and they should have an activity period at dark times. Keep an eye. If they are totally put 24/7, you've got a problem. That normally is water quality or maybe fear of other tank mates depending on what you keep them with.

 

[Hoplo]

They do come out, some times when I feed in the evening, but always when I walk through the living room first thing in the morning when the tank lights are not on, so the tank is in half light, but as it is the living room display tank I was wonder if there was anything I could do to make them moreactive so that when I am showwing off my tank it doesn't look as empty.

From what I can see probably not, and I am just going to have to setle with promosing people that the tank is actually full of fish, and just because they can not see anything it doesn't mean I dont have lots of fish in there.

 

[ragin_cajun]

Nah, mine are out all day with the lights are on, they go to bed every night at the same time--30 minutes before lights out. They do love a schedule. Only time I've seen mine hide is when they know there's trouble in the tank--bigger fish gets sick, fish starts trying to eat 'em, etc.

 

[freak78]

Mine are out all the time too. There always running back and forth and up at the top of the tank playing around.

 

[Coryloach]

How old are your loaches guys? Young loaches are out all the time, non-stop. When mine were younger they wreaked havoc around the place. They were everywhere, I wanted them out but I couldn't catch them. When they got older they got into a routine and they don't like that changed or being disturbed. They are out like clockwork.
One of my break throughs was when I reduced the flow. I had too much flow. I had 20+ turnover. And the lower the light the more they are out. And the more water changes you do, the more they are out. Mine tend to dance on the day of a water change or after and keep doing it for a few days till the next one. I am talking about large water changes of 50% plus

 

[evabug1]

Post a pic of your tank, that could help us point out any issues. Once clowns get in the 6"+ range they can tend to hide more, but they should still be out and about for a good portion of the day. Things that can help are: groundcover such as medium to large rocks and driftwood placed throughout the tank, school of semi large fish at mid-level that don't spook easily, get a timer for your lights so they turn on & off at the same time every day or turn them on/off yourself at the same times, feed them some tasty food @ regularly scheduled time daily, and check your water chemistry to make sure your water parameters are ideal.

You have a good number of clowns in your shoal, which helps them feel comfortable. A large school of mid level fish that aren't shy helps the clowns feel more secure as well. For example, I have boesemani rainbows and a trio of balas. They don't spook when I approach the tank and that in turn helps the clowns be less fearful. I find that the smaller tetras don't have the same effect. If you bring tasty food at the same time(s) every day they will definitely come out. Things that my clowns like are New Life Spectrum Thera A+, New Life Spectrum Cichlid, Hikari Sinking Carnivore pellets, and Hikari Sinking Algae Wafers.