New To Loaches

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
S

Sakon

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Oct 1, 2007
35
0
0
USA
Sorry if there's already a topic like this. If there was, it would be sticky, right?

I'm new to loaches, and would like suggestions and tips. I might not get any, but just like to be knowledgeable about things. Anyway, here's an overview:
  • 30g long
  • 12 neon tetras
  • 2 otocinclus
  • a pleco
  • half the tank is occupied by plants
  • there is a 1' fake log with opening on both ends. it is always dark inside.
  • there is a large fake stump with large holes scattered around the sides. additionally, there is a large hole in the bottom for diggers.
I'm looking for:
  • something that preferably has a max size of 6" or less. if it's long but skinny, i don't mind that. i just don't want to have to get a larger tank.
  • a peaceful loach that will not pick on the neons (unlike you, horseface loach!)
  • depending on their size, i don't want to buy 5 of them. i have heard they like company, though
I like bottom feeders! If you could suggest something, I'd appreciate it.
 
You will want to avoid Clowns, Yo-Yo's and Modestas, as they all get quite large. Kuhlii's, Striatas, or Sumo's might be a good choice.
 
I'd go with the Pangios, Botia striata, Botia histrionica or a small group of Yasuhikotakia sidthimunki if you can afford them.

Edit: By the way, what pleco do you have?
 
Lupin;1175428; said:
I'd go with the Pangios, Botia striata, Botia histrionica or a small group of Yasuhikotakia sidthimunki if you can afford them.

Edit: By the way, what pleco do you have?
Click to expand...
Your last suggestion, the Dwarf Loach, is endangered. :( I don't know if the stores I go to sell them and you make them sound expensive.

P.S. It is a "common," A. Sp. 2, but my friend has had it in a thirty gallon, feeding it wafers and leftover bloodworms it managed to get (he has dragon fish/violet gobies) for nine months and it has not grown more than half an inch, and it is still under four inches, so we believe it is the special kind that stays under four inches. Trust me, mine got 6" in a few months off of just an algae wafer every other day (back when I didn't know they got so big). I saw these variants at the store (Exotic Aquatics), but they were six dollars so I decided against spending all that money for one. I just traded my friend for his.


Druu;1175433; said:
Golden dojo loach? Petsmart carries decent ones for under ten bucks
Click to expand...

ewurm;1175339; said:
You will want to avoid Clowns, Yo-Yo's and Modestas, as they all get quite large. Kuhlii's, Striatas, or Sumo's might be a good choice.
Click to expand...
I will do so.

Kuhlii's sound awesome, they seem to fit my tank. They also have a good size, longevity, diet, and hardiness. I saw a ton of them last time, and they were about three dollars I believe. These seem to be my best bet.

qumqats;1175682; said:
Dojo's are a cold water fish. 50-77degF So it's not ideal to keep them with tropicals.

http://www.loaches.com/species-index/weather-loach-misgurnis-anguillicaudatus

They also can get pretty large. And since, like most loaches, they need to be in groups you'll end up overstocking the tank.


Sids have already been suggested. That sounds like a good choice.
Click to expand...

Thanks for pointing that out. Also, that picture scared me. I had no idea they got that big. Thanks bundle!

Yes, sids seem cool, but as I said above, they sound expensive. Also, I read that they prefer sand, and sand isn't an option for me.

Current Best Standing: Kuhlii Loach
 
I think you will be happy with Kuhlii's or Striatas. Both have great color and are very interesting fish.
 
Thanks for all of your help.

One more thing: I can't find any info on Striatas. Link please?
 
Thank you! I'm going to try and get kuhlii loaches. I like the "serpentine" body and basically everything about it.

Thanks everyone! I'll post updates if anyone wants.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom