Hi All!!
Lurker turned member here:)
As I read I learn that even a long time aquarist (word shrug:) like me can learn what they do wrong...
Which is mostly everything:)
With that said.... Sadly my Clown Loach aka Loachy of 24 years died a few days past.
So no more poppin at me if not fed by 6pm. No more big dawg of the tank. Weird how you really acclimate ... I've had that fish half my life...
I feel only fellow aqaurists (word shrug again) and especially Loach lovers can understand.
Even my Cat is depressed as they truly had a hide and seek routine. I always keep a cat tower near tank.
Anyway thats the depressing part.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now for a New Turn
My Tank has 2 irredesent Sharks who are also very old
approx 22-24 years.
As I know those 2 so well and yes trust them to be gentle. I purchased 2 12 dollar clown loaches
The smallest lil fellers ya ever did see.
I havent purchased a new fish in approx 14 years since my pleco passed on.
Store purchase...Needless to say I'm treating for Ick yadda yadda blaa blaa:)
Been there
Now that the Ick is turning a corner I'm noticing my 2 new fishes AKA Merry and Pippin are almost getting agressive towards each other at feeding times.
The whole day they play nicely but almost a mating ritual at feeding time: Fin flexing/twitching high speed chase etc:)
No injuries but frankly I wasnt aware Loaches had a pecking order.
As they are just getting over Ick I hesitate to disturb them and Tank.
Any advice would be welcome!!!
PS: OK I know I'm nuts but ... My two Sharks are just about as old as the Loach was. When Loachy died they did not do the normal Irredesant shark back and forth swim or normal disfunctional things they do. Yanno crashing into things etc:)
As soon as the 2 lil loaches were introduced to the tank they went right back to side to side swimming, and I swear their color is better:) I wonder if it was a scent thing.
I think I'm losing my mind....
Anyway, I'm truly enjoying this forum!!
Thanks for having it!!!
Regards!
Sad Day/New Horizons
Moderator: LoachForumModerators
-
Emma Turner
- Posts: 8901
- Joined: Wed Dec 28, 2005 5:07 pm
- Location: Peterborough, UK
- Contact:
Hi Memnoch, welcome to Loaches Online. 
I'm sorry to hear of your loss, but you must have had some wonderful times observing Loachy over the years.
I would also love to see some photos of your fish and aquarium at some point. It must be pretty big to house iridescent sharks!
Once you have managed to get your new additions over the whitespot (ich), let things settle, maintain excellent water quality and then add some more clowns (after being quarantined of course). Two specimens are likely to keep on arguing, whereas a group will help to spread out the aggression so that no one fish constantly gets picked on. Are you sure that the new clowns came down with whitespot due to the stress of being caught and moved, and not the prescence of the big sharks stressing them out?
Emma
I'm sorry to hear of your loss, but you must have had some wonderful times observing Loachy over the years.I would also love to see some photos of your fish and aquarium at some point. It must be pretty big to house iridescent sharks!
Once you have managed to get your new additions over the whitespot (ich), let things settle, maintain excellent water quality and then add some more clowns (after being quarantined of course). Two specimens are likely to keep on arguing, whereas a group will help to spread out the aggression so that no one fish constantly gets picked on. Are you sure that the new clowns came down with whitespot due to the stress of being caught and moved, and not the prescence of the big sharks stressing them out?
Emma
East of the Sun, West of the Moon.
-
bslindgren
- Posts: 422
- Joined: Fri Jun 29, 2007 3:36 pm
- Location: Prince George, BC, Canada
-
soul-hugger
- Posts: 344
- Joined: Tue Nov 04, 2008 3:02 pm
- Location: Saskatoon, SK, Canada
Hello, and a big Welcome to you!
I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of Loachy. On a brighter note, though I've heard Clown Loaches can live up to 40 years, I have never heard of anyone getting close to that number.., but you have! You must have been doing a lot of things right to have kept all your fish alive and healthy for such lengths of time. This is highly commendable. There are probably many things we can learn from you here.
I don't doubt the other fish in your tank have been depressed. I believe fish are a lot more intelligent than we give them credit for, and after having lived together for that number of years, one would have to assume they had a very close relationship with one another, regardless of being different species.
Little Clown Loaches are notoriously prone to ich, but they also seem to be a feisty species with what humans might call, "a will to live." I would definitely follow Emma's advice about adding at least three more once your little ones are over it. Posting some pictures of Loachy is also a great idea, if you have the means.
Nice "Meeting" you,
soul-hugger
I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of Loachy. On a brighter note, though I've heard Clown Loaches can live up to 40 years, I have never heard of anyone getting close to that number.., but you have! You must have been doing a lot of things right to have kept all your fish alive and healthy for such lengths of time. This is highly commendable. There are probably many things we can learn from you here.
I don't doubt the other fish in your tank have been depressed. I believe fish are a lot more intelligent than we give them credit for, and after having lived together for that number of years, one would have to assume they had a very close relationship with one another, regardless of being different species.
Little Clown Loaches are notoriously prone to ich, but they also seem to be a feisty species with what humans might call, "a will to live." I would definitely follow Emma's advice about adding at least three more once your little ones are over it. Posting some pictures of Loachy is also a great idea, if you have the means.
Nice "Meeting" you,
soul-hugger
Success is measured by the amount of obstacles you have overcome.
Thank you all for replies!!
But I must admit your replies on what I'm doing right are Very embarrassing.
With that said allow me to elaborate.
Presently my wife and I maintain and have had a 50 Gal Corner tank.
<Hangs head> yep 50
We so love this tank as you dont view the side as the front portion is like a panoramic view.
Plus the stand matches the living room and is cosmetically pleasing which saves me a beating from<looks around> well you know:)
Tank Stock was:
1 chocolate Spotted Raphael- 23 years
2 Irredesant Sharks- 22-24 years
1 Pleco approx 14 years
and Loachy 24
Largest Sharks is approx 7.5 inches
Loachy was about 7.5 inches
Rapahel was 4 inches when we saw him/her
Pleco was also 6-7 inches
No noticable growth for approx 10 years exept for the pleco.
Regarding my next statements I realize I need to improve upon alot!!
And the only positive side is it has refreshed my motivation etc.
1.) I dont test water, nor own a kit
2.) I never altered played with PH nor Hardness since mating angels back in the day:)
Once we discovered loaches we loved them and their antics.
But I've only owned Kuhli's and a Clown
Approx 15 years past I stopped using a biological filter (undergravel) and went to straight Cannister.
What I do perform steadily is Water Changes and always have.
And of course I'm Very frugal with Feeding. Tho the sharks bellies after feeding time may argue that:)
My old litmus test was if the Raphael came out during feedings I'm spot on.
If he/she didnt I overfed yesterday:)
Dunno if thats accurate but it worked...
Now here is where I went South and took the fast train!!
My Pleco passed in Oct. He looked like he just stopped. Even dead he looked alive not a mark on him. Small concern as he was only 14 but not enought to act on.
After approx 3 weeks I had to get another, as algae was really covering, without me trusty vacume.
So what did I do went to the Fish store, a very old and established one.
Found a Pleco no prob. And lo and behold there were some 30 dollar Loaches...
Yep bought one.
Nope didnt isolate.
Nope forgot all the correct protocols for new fish introductions.
Fish looked fine seemed healthy.....
2 weeks after Pleco/Loach introduction.
Raphael Died. No marks no nothing
I have a resin castle with the Towers etc. He loved that thing and died in it.
Now Loachy is not acting right
I didnt know you all were HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Physically he looked to have little bubbles on the tail fin. Wasnt Icklike. So my concern is body slime etc.
Then I ran out of Ammo carb and ordered MLd brand from F&S.
I usually use AQ brand in the red carton.
(My pardon Forum Admins hope initials are ok:)
What else did I do. Well why not change the Fluvals Foam. Brilliant ya?
I'm good like that with brilliant ideas!!
Aside from Ammo carb and new foam, Performed the same type of cleaning/change I have performed for the last 24 years, I can literally do it blindfolded:). Things got worse.
The the New Loach died and he died in the Castle, when I removed the castle I think there was an air pocket in the tower because as it lifted from water I got a strong smell of decay/dead.
Did I remove the Castle at that point... nope that would make way too much sense. My Brillance strikes again....just rinsed it.
Loachy mouth became distended and seems to be in respiratory distress. This store, that store ,this advice, that advice.
Sharks started thrashing.
Loachy Dead....
So in desperation started websurfing here I am::
Castle is bleached clean and Drilled holes in top of tower as a safeguard to deadspots.
2 sharks are doing great, oddly enough I think I've seen the smaller shark thrash twice in a week which has my guard up. They really perked up when two Loaches were introduced.
1 week after Loaches were introduced Ick appeard on loaches only.
Also regarding the sharks I could swear they are darker and their Top dorsal fin appears more erect.
The new Pleco is doing great doubled in size.
and my two new baby Clown Loaches are looking great tho they have ICK
Which I'm still treating for, been a week they still have some on tail fin.
Hence we are still trying to connect the dots on what happened and why.
Any opinions are most welcome!!
My pardon for the lengthy post.
So you see no congrats my way as I let my guard down and am paying the price.
<Walks away in shame>
But I must admit your replies on what I'm doing right are Very embarrassing.
With that said allow me to elaborate.
Presently my wife and I maintain and have had a 50 Gal Corner tank.
<Hangs head> yep 50
We so love this tank as you dont view the side as the front portion is like a panoramic view.
Plus the stand matches the living room and is cosmetically pleasing which saves me a beating from<looks around> well you know:)
Tank Stock was:
1 chocolate Spotted Raphael- 23 years
2 Irredesant Sharks- 22-24 years
1 Pleco approx 14 years
and Loachy 24
Largest Sharks is approx 7.5 inches
Loachy was about 7.5 inches
Rapahel was 4 inches when we saw him/her
Pleco was also 6-7 inches
No noticable growth for approx 10 years exept for the pleco.
Regarding my next statements I realize I need to improve upon alot!!
And the only positive side is it has refreshed my motivation etc.
1.) I dont test water, nor own a kit
2.) I never altered played with PH nor Hardness since mating angels back in the day:)
Once we discovered loaches we loved them and their antics.
But I've only owned Kuhli's and a Clown
Approx 15 years past I stopped using a biological filter (undergravel) and went to straight Cannister.
What I do perform steadily is Water Changes and always have.
And of course I'm Very frugal with Feeding. Tho the sharks bellies after feeding time may argue that:)
My old litmus test was if the Raphael came out during feedings I'm spot on.
If he/she didnt I overfed yesterday:)
Dunno if thats accurate but it worked...
Now here is where I went South and took the fast train!!
My Pleco passed in Oct. He looked like he just stopped. Even dead he looked alive not a mark on him. Small concern as he was only 14 but not enought to act on.
After approx 3 weeks I had to get another, as algae was really covering, without me trusty vacume.
So what did I do went to the Fish store, a very old and established one.
Found a Pleco no prob. And lo and behold there were some 30 dollar Loaches...
Yep bought one.
Nope didnt isolate.
Nope forgot all the correct protocols for new fish introductions.
Fish looked fine seemed healthy.....
2 weeks after Pleco/Loach introduction.
Raphael Died. No marks no nothing
I have a resin castle with the Towers etc. He loved that thing and died in it.
Now Loachy is not acting right
I didnt know you all were HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Physically he looked to have little bubbles on the tail fin. Wasnt Icklike. So my concern is body slime etc.
Then I ran out of Ammo carb and ordered MLd brand from F&S.
I usually use AQ brand in the red carton.
(My pardon Forum Admins hope initials are ok:)
What else did I do. Well why not change the Fluvals Foam. Brilliant ya?
I'm good like that with brilliant ideas!!
Aside from Ammo carb and new foam, Performed the same type of cleaning/change I have performed for the last 24 years, I can literally do it blindfolded:). Things got worse.
The the New Loach died and he died in the Castle, when I removed the castle I think there was an air pocket in the tower because as it lifted from water I got a strong smell of decay/dead.
Did I remove the Castle at that point... nope that would make way too much sense. My Brillance strikes again....just rinsed it.
Loachy mouth became distended and seems to be in respiratory distress. This store, that store ,this advice, that advice.
Sharks started thrashing.
Loachy Dead....
So in desperation started websurfing here I am::
Castle is bleached clean and Drilled holes in top of tower as a safeguard to deadspots.
2 sharks are doing great, oddly enough I think I've seen the smaller shark thrash twice in a week which has my guard up. They really perked up when two Loaches were introduced.
1 week after Loaches were introduced Ick appeard on loaches only.
Also regarding the sharks I could swear they are darker and their Top dorsal fin appears more erect.
The new Pleco is doing great doubled in size.
and my two new baby Clown Loaches are looking great tho they have ICK
Which I'm still treating for, been a week they still have some on tail fin.
Hence we are still trying to connect the dots on what happened and why.
Any opinions are most welcome!!
My pardon for the lengthy post.
So you see no congrats my way as I let my guard down and am paying the price.
<Walks away in shame>
Aww, Memnoch, that's a sad tale.
When you have kept up a tank successfully for so long when something hits like that you are unprepared. I feel for you, but don't beat yourself up too badly.
You're moving on and the learning curve is back, that's all.
btw - welcome to the forum! We don't have any objections to discussing names of products here. Being international we often have to be specific.
When you have kept up a tank successfully for so long when something hits like that you are unprepared. I feel for you, but don't beat yourself up too badly.
You're moving on and the learning curve is back, that's all.
btw - welcome to the forum! We don't have any objections to discussing names of products here. Being international we often have to be specific.
books. gotta love em!
http://www.Apaperbackexchange.com
http://www.Apaperbackexchange.com
Sorry to hear about your loss but I can't wait to say "Yep I have had that clown for 20 years."
Congratts for that.
I like the idea that you never did a test and it worked so well; though i am getting tests kits myself. But lots of fish stores will test it for you for free.
Hopefully you have got 20+ years left with the new fish.
Congratts for that.
I like the idea that you never did a test and it worked so well; though i am getting tests kits myself. But lots of fish stores will test it for you for free.
Hopefully you have got 20+ years left with the new fish.
6 polkadot loaches, 6 blood fin tetras, 7 white cloud mtn. minnows, 3 gold barbs, 1 flying fox, and 1 pleco munching up my algae. oh yea i am expiermenting with sanils, humm.
Hi All
Thank you all for all your support!!!
Allow me to update.
Regarding photos, I know I must have some shots somewhere. Probably just tank photos in background requiring cropping etc. More to follow:)
Now being a member I can focus more on piccys ..get it focus!!!!!
I'm still treating for ICK
Fist 1.5 weeks I was using AP Tank buddies Ich cure to no avail.
I then after 1.5 weeks performed a 80 percent water change after 4 days of no Meds.
Then deployed Maracide with the Bio spheres etc.
The two new loaches underwent a name change to now being Pumkin and Sprout.
Great names ya? Cant take the cred my wife did it. She has mad skills in that area.
Heartbroken We lost Sprout yesterday. Yep.. dam
Oddly Sprout was very active but it did appear like the ick jus wasnt going away and actually got worse.
Pumkin still also has Ick mostly on its tail fin.
Pumkin is growing dam fast and eats like a horse. he may now be 1 whole inch!!!
He is an awesome fish and for a little bugger is so cool.
Emma: Regarding fish size difference, I've observed the 2 now one Pumkin with the sharks and he is right there with them. He/she feeds with them swims with them and I really think its ok.
I really think they being 24 years old are used to a loach in the tank:)
Regarding the Irredesant Sharks:
Not Once did they ever show a sign of ick.
But since medicating the tank, They are darker,less grey, skin which was a tad mottled is now a sleek dark grey.
Even their mouths looks better, newer, younger.
Their Back dorsal fin is much more erect.
I'm presently trying to find more maracide which seems to be out in stores near me.
I think I have enough for 3rd 5th day treatment.
Right now priority is keeping Pumkin alive.
Any input help please dont hesitate:)
~~~~~~~
Comments:
Chef: Home page rawks!!
Soul: Thanks for support mon!! and making me feel lees of a lunatic:) I really do think they were depressed
Shari: thanks for product/forum info and advice..luv your posts:)
andyroo: ARE you trying to get me killed!!!!
Honestly I so want a river tank!!!!
I love this place!
Anyhoo just an update..
Thanks for putting up with long posts and having great information!!!
Thank you all for all your support!!!
Allow me to update.
Regarding photos, I know I must have some shots somewhere. Probably just tank photos in background requiring cropping etc. More to follow:)
Now being a member I can focus more on piccys ..get it focus!!!!!
I'm still treating for ICK
Fist 1.5 weeks I was using AP Tank buddies Ich cure to no avail.
I then after 1.5 weeks performed a 80 percent water change after 4 days of no Meds.
Then deployed Maracide with the Bio spheres etc.
The two new loaches underwent a name change to now being Pumkin and Sprout.
Great names ya? Cant take the cred my wife did it. She has mad skills in that area.
Heartbroken We lost Sprout yesterday. Yep.. dam
Oddly Sprout was very active but it did appear like the ick jus wasnt going away and actually got worse.
Pumkin still also has Ick mostly on its tail fin.
Pumkin is growing dam fast and eats like a horse. he may now be 1 whole inch!!!
He is an awesome fish and for a little bugger is so cool.
Emma: Regarding fish size difference, I've observed the 2 now one Pumkin with the sharks and he is right there with them. He/she feeds with them swims with them and I really think its ok.
I really think they being 24 years old are used to a loach in the tank:)
Regarding the Irredesant Sharks:
Not Once did they ever show a sign of ick.
But since medicating the tank, They are darker,less grey, skin which was a tad mottled is now a sleek dark grey.
Even their mouths looks better, newer, younger.
Their Back dorsal fin is much more erect.
I'm presently trying to find more maracide which seems to be out in stores near me.
I think I have enough for 3rd 5th day treatment.
Right now priority is keeping Pumkin alive.
Any input help please dont hesitate:)
~~~~~~~
Comments:
Chef: Home page rawks!!
Soul: Thanks for support mon!! and making me feel lees of a lunatic:) I really do think they were depressed
Shari: thanks for product/forum info and advice..luv your posts:)
andyroo: ARE you trying to get me killed!!!!
Honestly I so want a river tank!!!!
I love this place!
Anyhoo just an update..
Thanks for putting up with long posts and having great information!!!
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