My first loach

[QueenDustBunny]

I could use some help. I got my first loach today for my son's tank. The aquatic specialist (?) said that the polka-dot loach would be very happy to be alone in the tank with my other fish. After reading the other posts I realize that I may have been given wrong information. I currently have 4 Long Fin Rosey Barbs, and 1 Rainbow Shark.

Should I add more polka-dots? Would the one be happier with others? I just want a tank of happy fish. Also, if I convert the rock-bottom to a sand-bottom, how do you clean it?

Thank you for your help.

[WhtDragn101]

Loaches (botias in particular) are much happier and much more active in groups of a MINIMUM of 3; 5 or more is highly recommended if your tank can hold them.

Sand is easier to clean because the waste/debris etc rest on the top and can easily be sucked out with a gravel vac, but you have to make sure the sand is stirred every now and then (water changes are a good time for this).

[QueenDustBunny]

Tomorrow I'll return to the LFS and get 2 more. My tank can handle it for now and I'm going to get a bigger tank for Christmas. I plan to get a several more then. We'll see how it goes from there.

[TammyLiz]

How big is your tank? If it is any smaller than 30 gallons then I do not reccommend you adding more loaches. The best thing to do would be return the one you have and wait to get a group when you get that larger tank. They will be more aggressive in a smaller tank and it is not fair to keep them crowded. Christmas is a long way off, and stressed fish are more likely to die.

[QueenDustBunny]

My tank is 35g. I went this morning and picked up 2 more along with another cave. The 3 of them started swimming around together and all were getting along famously. Thanks to all for their help. Any more ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[TammyLiz]

Congrats!