Question on my loaches second opinion needed!!!!!!

[hooperman42]

Hi I have a 20 gallon long that houses a happy betta along with 4 corry's.

I added a few very small yoyo loaches (it appears) a zebra loach and two tiny clowns. I was just told by another forum on freshwater tanks that the clowns will get too big and yes I have seen them huge in large tanks but assumed this environment would keep their size down. He said that if they are left there they will still get way to big and there growth will be stunted giving them a short life. Can you help? Are the other loaches safe? My store is one of the best in Orlando and I am obviously very dissapointed to hear this news. Can I keep my loaches? If not I guess I need to see if they can go back to the store afte this length of time and get a couple more corys and call it a loss. What do you think? I really need some expert advice here. Hoop

[KittyKat]

The dimensions are considerably more important than total volume

I have not kept many loaches in my own tanks, but I have had to look after them and at one point, I had a housemate who kept them.

Given the activity level and adult size of the loaches, I would want a tank with the bottom area of at least 4*1 ft for the zebra loaches, 4*1.5 ft for yoyo loaches and 6*2 ft for clown loaches. I would also want to keep all of these loaches (and Corys) in groups of at least 6 because loaches are generally shoaling, while Corys are schooling fish. You can read about my reasoning when it comes to numbers here: http://aquariumadventure.wordpress.com/ ... h-numbers/

Whoever told you that stunting causes health problems was absolutely correct. This is not limited only to loaches, but to all fish.

On the other hand, if you take the loaches back to the store, someone who knows about them as much as you did when you got them is very likely to take them, which will not be any good. I recommend that you investigate getting a larger tank at least for the zebra and yoyo loaches and find a good home with a hobbyist for the clown loaches.

[surgeon]

People state you need a 6x2 for clown loaches but remember you won't need that for 5+ years! They will live just fine in a 4x2 for a long time and you will know when they are too big for it.

[hooperman42]

right now the tank is 30 long by 12 - its a 20L how long you imagine before I need to get em out of there.
I guess I still on craigs list.

[surgeon]

right now the tank is 30 long by 12 - its a 20L how long you imagine before I need to get em out of there.
I guess I still on craigs list.

20L is tiny so it wouldnt be long at all.

[KittyKat]

I think the OP means 20 gallons

how long you imagine before I need to get em out of there.

Probably when they reach 7-8 cm (3 inches) long from tip of nose to base of tail, but I would also like to reiterate that ideally, they should be in larger groups.

If you want to find fish a good home, I think forums are more likely to be a good place to start

[starsplitter7]

I agree. The tank is too small and you would need more loaches. 5 of each species at least. Many people just don't know loaches. I don't listen to most advice at an LFS. I have learned my lesson. A small tank will indeed stunt the growth of the fish, and it is an unhealthy environment. It is a myth that small tanks keep fish small. I like to think of it along the lines that humans could live in the space of a bathroom, but what kind of life would it be to spend your entire life in the space of a bathroom?

If you are in Orlando, you should come to our fish meetings in Tampa. Our fish club is TBAS1.com We have people who drive from as far 2 hours to come to our meetings. You can learn more about many fish and get supplies at really good prices. PM me with the name of the store in Orlando, so I can check it out. I am always looking for new places to go.