Clown Loach Problem Help--
- Thread starter Tropical Joe
- Start date
Now that I've had time to think this over, I've reconsidered my original recommendation, and now recommend that the OP go out and pick up every medication available at the lfs and just dump it all in there. What's the worst that can possibly happen when you ignorantly self medicate.......sans proper diagnosis?
Thanks for all the advise. I did not get the clowns in Queens or at a Local place. I bought them from a tank where they have been there for a while. The place you are referring to in Queens I believe are wild caught but it is a great place. Furthermore, I try to say away from wild caught.---Some wild caught fish are not even de-wormed or treated before selling to the public.
Now now, xraycer, that's ill-advised.. isn't that a little bit over your head dude lol..
Honestly, the worst that can happen is you wipe out the beneficial flora in the tank and in fish. Maybe staining the tank as well. Long term medicating will cause health issues in fish.. plus you'd be killing the nitrifying bacteria which will induce a mini-cycle.
Alas, chaos! 
Alternatives such as using really high quality good food with adequate proper amounts of natural micros and macronutrients, also proper housing, clean water environment, and less to no stress! That's really the way to go to get fish back to normal and in top shape.
However, real, serious baddies (really deadly strains of pathogens) CAN pop up every now and then; that's when you should medicate.. regular meds are pretty much ideal for last resort emergencies.
And well, eh, prazi and metro aren't even that heavy though and even when overdosed, it isn't very lethal, especially praziquantel. But always safe to start with small doses and slowly increase.
And you're welcome, Joe. Hope those clown loaches pull through.
Now now, xraycer, that's ill-advised.. isn't that a little bit over your head dude lol..
Honestly, the worst that can happen is you wipe out the beneficial flora in the tank and in fish. Maybe staining the tank as well. Long term medicating will cause health issues in fish.. plus you'd be killing the nitrifying bacteria which will induce a mini-cycle.
Alternatives such as using really high quality good food with adequate proper amounts of natural micros and macronutrients, also proper housing, clean water environment, and less to no stress! That's really the way to go to get fish back to normal and in top shape.
However, real, serious baddies (really deadly strains of pathogens) CAN pop up every now and then; that's when you should medicate.. regular meds are pretty much ideal for last resort emergencies.
And well, eh, prazi and metro aren't even that heavy though and even when overdosed, it isn't very lethal, especially praziquantel. But always safe to start with small doses and slowly increase.
And you're welcome, Joe. Hope those clown loaches pull through.
Should of just shared this lengthy, altruistic thesis in your 1st post.
I'll give credit, where credit is due......you obviously have much, much experience with sick fish.
Haha yeah, I get lengthy with my posts sometimes lol Hope you guys don't mind. What can I say? I like to share my thoughts, opinions, and pass on some good ol knowledge.And yes, well you got that right, I do have much experience with sick fish I must say. I've gone through a lot of ups and downs with fish losses in the past. Learned quite a bit from my mistakes.
I dimmed the lights, and I did a small water change and added some plants and caves. The water is crystal clear. I hope these clowns get accustomed. Thanks again. I don't mind the lengthy posts I really enjoy reading them. Different views makes me gather precious information that may take years to learn. I really appreciate all your help. Joe
Yeah, I have dealt with that place in the past and have been very happy. I probably would've been a bit more skeptical to buy wild caught clowns if it wasn't from them.
I finally got mine to eat cut up shrimp. I kept the lights off all but a couple hrs a day, plenty of hiding places, and fed in the morning when it seems most active. Hope yours come around for you.
Almost all clown loaches in the hobby originate from the wilds of West Kalimantan and Sumatra. Some have simply been in country longer than others.
