Tank sizes for group of loaches

The forum for the very best information on loaches of all types. Come learn from our membership's vast experience!

Moderator: LoachForumModerators

Post Reply
CheeseSticklover99
Posts: 8
Joined: Tue Mar 15, 2022 10:17 pm

Tank sizes for group of loaches

Post by CheeseSticklover99 » Mon Dec 05, 2022 1:12 am

Hello, I am hoping to gain some insight on tank sizes dependent on the size of a group or shoal of loaches.
I know this can also depend on the loach species itself.
I am particularly interested in gold zebra loaches (botia histrionica), yoyo loaches (botia almorhae) or polka dot/burmese border loaches (botia kubotai).

Most internet searches say a 75 gallon minimum tank is required and then say but larger will be needed for a group...
This is too vague for me! Haha
How large of a tank would I need for, let's say 10 golden zebra loaches?

Thanks so much, Take care!

User avatar
redshark1
Posts: 585
Joined: Sun Dec 26, 2010 6:58 am
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, Great Britain.

Re: Tank sizes for group of loaches

Post by redshark1 » Tue Dec 06, 2022 3:43 am

I'd personally go for 6' x 18" x 18" which I have for my six Clown Loaches. I think your choices would have good swimming room and you can still reach the bottom for maintenance comfortably.
6 x Clown Loaches all 30 years of age on 01.01.2024, largest 11.5", 2 large females, 4 smaller males, aquarium 6' x 18" x 18" 400 ltr/90 uk gal/110 US gal. approx.

CheeseSticklover99
Posts: 8
Joined: Tue Mar 15, 2022 10:17 pm

Re: Tank sizes for group of loaches

Post by CheeseSticklover99 » Wed Dec 07, 2022 1:38 pm

Thank you redshark1! That is amazing you have your clowns for so long!

NancyD
Posts: 1608
Joined: Thu Jan 05, 2006 9:17 pm
Location: SF bay area,US

Re: Tank sizes for group of loaches

Post by NancyD » Tue Dec 20, 2022 8:00 pm

I kept 6 or 7 histrionica in a 55g. I got them when they were small, 1.5 inches or so. I also had 6 denisonii barbs (roseline sharks), also smallish but grew faster. A 75 would have been better...but I ended up having to move house before they were quite adults, say 4+ inches. The only other fish were 2 or 3 panda garras.

Another botia to consider are striata. Smaller than histys (3-4 inches), very attractive, but a bit shy IME. I had 6 (all that I could find) & 10 sidthimunki in a 75g. I would love to keep both species again but in a 1 loach species tank with more of each species. My loaches divided into 2 groups of 3 striatas & 4 sids in each both led by a female sid. No fighting, just a bit odd? I would keep 12+ striata or 20+ sids in a 75g.

Of course, a bigger tank & group of loaches is always better. I would keep either 8-10 (or maybe even 12) histys or kubotai in a 75g without other bottom fish. Yoyos are not on my "future loach species list"; a bit larger in size & often semi-aggresive, similar in looks to histys...maybe in a 6ft tank...I've never had a 6ft tank...
Image

dinn
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Dec 21, 2022 9:54 pm

Re: Tank sizes for group of loaches

Post by dinn » Fri Jan 06, 2023 1:59 am

Hello and thank you for the information, it is also a great help to me.
See my website here : ZeusPorn

Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 61 guests