Tank for clown loach

[CrazyLoach]

What is the minumum tank size for 5 clown loach to live happily? How long can I keep them in there before upgrading to a bigger one?

[Mark in Vancouver]

The shops are selling clown loaches now that are 1.5 inches long or smaller. You could keep these tiny guys in a 20 gallon for a little while, maybe a year. But they have a growth spurt at that age and they get suddenly bigger, to about three inches. At that point they need a bigger tank with maximum bottom area or footprint.

If clowns are the fish you want to accommodate, and you're clear on the commitment it takes, you should aim to get a 75 gallon or larger at some point. These fish will outlive your dog or cat if you treat them right. So you should do just that.

Clown loaches are great fish - it can't be said enough.