Clown Loach Q.s

[lukenewton]

hey guys I recently put a thread on here to decide what loaches I wanted to get and from the responses on that I have decided to get some clown loaches! the tank is 84"x30"x24" tank mates will be severums and a couple of species of earth eaters, also possibly a GT or 2 and a oscar or 2. questions are firstly how many clowns should I get? was thinknig of starting with a group of 6, then possibly adding to this would that work? secondly i have read clowns have a very slow growth rate the severums and earth eaters i add will be small around the 2" mark. would adding clowns of a similar size be okay? or would they get outgrown too much? what is the best stuff to feed them on for quick growth? finally is there any ways in which to stop them being shy and keep them nice and active?
if anyone has any other info that would be awesome
Thanks
Luke

 

[Ihsnshaik]

How big are the clown loaches?

 

[lukenewton]

Around 1 1/2 to 2 inches

 

[xraycer]

Adding everybody at the sizes you've mentioned will be fine. I would start off with about 8 CL since they'll be more comfortable and less shy in a larger shoal. Provide them with good hiding places and in time they will come out more often, but this is an individual personality thing. I have 12 and most of the time will only see about 6-8 out and about. Keeping the tank at a not so bright lighting level will also encourage them to stay out more often. In regards to growth rate, the best thing you can do is provide high quality food, such as NLS, as a staple and clean, low nitrate water (50%-100% water changes weekly)