Loaches Online Forum

Is it not really ok to use crushed corals as a substrate for clown loaches?

No, it's not. First of all, crushed corals appear too rough for the clown loaches to be used as a substrate. Second, it has calcium carbonate that will increase the pH and KH of the water chemistry which the clown loaches may not be able to tolerate long-term even if they are able to adapt to it. You have plenty of other substrates to choose from. Why this particular substrate?

Remember clowns are considered scaleless/small scale, and the coral will abrade their skin and barbels. They also like soft/acidic water.

Never use coral with clowns. You can buy 50# of pool filter sand for $8 and that makes a great substrate.

Blue wrote:No, it's not. First of all, crushed corals appear too rough for the clown loaches to be used as a substrate. Second, it has calcium carbonate that will increase the pH and KH of the water chemistry which the clown loaches may not be able to tolerate long-term even if they are able to adapt to it. You have plenty of other substrates to choose from. Why this particular substrate?

it was just a question because I have a tank and the exsisting substrate is crushed corals and I'm just learning about loaches.

many loach owners actually use sand as a substrate.

and don't worry about questions. that's why we're here.

fhm_usa wrote: it was just a question because I have a tank and the exsisting substrate is crushed corals and I'm just learning about loaches.

That would be good for African cichlids.

I use coral sand for fish that thrive in hard water such as fish from Lake Tanganyika and brackish water fish, but for soft water fish it is better to use a neutral substrate.

Thanks for your info guys.

I just wanted to add from Blue's comment : Third, crushed coral, although already dead, is still a part of delicate tropical coral community and ecosystem, by removing it from nature sure effect the balance of the system in some way.