Two Oscars and how many loaches?

[Fishnthehood]

I'm thinking about turning my 135 into a two oscar and loach gang. I have a few question though?

1. I will be getting the oscars about 2 to 4 inches big. I plan on getting at least getting 8 loaches? Do you think the loaches would be safe in the tank with the oscars and if so how long?

2. What type of loach should I buy?

Suggestions please.

 

[Andyroo]

Put in a whole lot of PVC or bamboo sections over a sandy substrate & lots of plants. I've kept juv oscars and Cl together before- they did well. worry might be that oscar grows a lot faster than the loach, but with habitat and starting small I'd expect/hope they'd be fine. Stick with either clown (as they seem to be able to produce distasteful or toxic slime) or blue (Y. modesta) as they are... capable (read: grouchy) and beautiful when they get big. Both grow slow to >10" and live for decades.

 

[mother monster]

+1 on Andy's comment; oscars aren't terribly aggressive to other species in my experience and to my endearment. they also tend to disregard bottom dwellers anyway. i think the loaches will be just fine; clown loaches are almost imperturbable but are pricey; the blues are cheaper and 'capable' is a good word. mine are peaceful and not grouchy at all, however, but are pretty big-boned and very sturdy. i'd just make sure that the loaches aren't small enough to get picked on if a bored oscar so desires, and as long as they've got some places to hide and call their own [which they really need&enjoy anyway], regardless of what sort of loach you choose, they should be completely content with hideyspots&the final setup sounds like it'll be lovely :>