Clown Loaches

[troublesum]

I have 125 gallon standard right now there is 7 4-5in Gold Barred Midas in there i'm waiting for a true pair.
My Question is i would like like to add some CL would 3 work or do i need more then 3 or am i maxed in my tank with the Midas pair?.
I do 4 50% WC a week so maintenance is not a problem.

Thanks

 

[slippery slimecoat]

I had an Oscar in with my clowns at one point. While he didn't flat out attack them, he was aggressive enough to make them hide most of the time. Would think Midas would be even worse. Also, clowns grow stupidly slow compared to most all cichlids. That aside, a 125 would last clowns for several years. They tend to do better and show off their social behaviors better the larger the shoal. While 3 can work, I personally feel they should be kept in a group of at least 5 or more.

 

[Chockful O Phail]

I agree they need 5 or more. If you can afford to get them at or above the 4.5-5" mark they should be ok as long as they have somewhere to hide. They are a great clean up crew. Problem I see is when you get a pair of Midas and they breed, clowns can't resist eggs.

Edit: I've seen them kept with umbees for what it's worth

 

[RD.]

Speaking from experience, I would not keep clowns with midas. Their life will result in one of constant hiding and fear of being attacked - especially with a pair of midas. I had a good sized group of CL's in a 125 years ago with a single male midas, and eventually had to move the midas. Clown loaches shouldn't have to hide 24/7, that's not their true nature and they are for more interesting (and entertaining) when they are dominant in the tank, or kept as a single species.

 

[troublesum]

Speaking from experience, I would not keep clowns with midas. Their life will result in one of constant hiding and fear of being attacked - especially with a pair of midas. I had a good sized group of CL's in a 125 years ago with a single male midas, and eventually had to move the midas. Clown loaches shouldn't have to hide 24/7, that's not their true nature and they are for more interesting (and entertaining) when they are dominant in the tank, or kept as a single species.

Thanks guys so the CLs are out is there any other bottom feeder that i can put with my midas pair or am i pretty much maxed