I feel like the tiny ones have really sunk in stomachs too. I would always advise against mixing small fish with big fish, but I have def. seen some small loaches with big fish.
Yes, I wouldn't put them in unless I could get big Loaches. I need a growout tank but I think I am already pushing my wooden floor to the limit and i'm running out of space!
I'll just have to admire everyone elses CL for now!
8 sound good, happy shoal. I would advise a larger tank though, I saw there botia were on sale as well, they get along very well just as long you keep more of one loach than the other. 5 clown 3 zebras or vice versa.