Optimum tank size for Yoyos, Kubs, Striatas, and Sids

[raecarrow]

I need to get a larger tank for my botine loaches. I currently have 5 yoyos, 1 kub, 1 striata in a 3ft long 30 gallon tank. I currently have 5 sids in a 10 gallon. (I know the sids should be in a larger tank but I don't have the room right now)

First question, if I get more kubs and striatas, how many should I get of each type? Second question, would my sids fare well in the tank with the larger loaches? Finally, what size tank should I get for all these guys? I'm thinking about getting a 55 or 75 gallon when I move in Oct or Nov (I don't want to get it and set it up before I move because that would be a royal pain). If I got a 55, I would get an cast iron stand that could hold a 33 extra long underneath because it has the same footprint (when I get the money).

What do you guys think? I'm searching on craigslist to see what I can find (hopefully I'll be able to find something inexpensive).

Thanks,
Rae

[Ravenmoon]

I would definitely suggest the 75 gallon as the yoyos can get pretty big. Not to mention, if you are planning on keeping all 4 types of loaches, the kubs, sids, and striatas will probably need some company. Just my two cents.

[raecarrow]

I plan to get more Kubs and Striatas. I have seen Kubs in a couple of LFS but I have not seen any real Striatas in over a year. Anything I have seen recently that have been labled as "zebra loaches" are usually Botia Dario. I guess I'll have to order striata from frank's.

I'm wondering, how many of each loach should I get? Are 5 Sids enough or do I need more of them?

I was thinking that a 75 would be better than a 55. I will probably try to get a larger tank if I can find it cheap enough second hand. However, I have to worry about moving it because I am a renter and I need to be more mobile.

[Diana]

I think 5 of any of those are the minimum number for a reasonable social order. I would go with the tank with the largest foot print. Most Loaches are bottom oriented, even sids, which spend a certain amount of time in the mid-tank areas, too.

Get them more acreage.
If this ends up being a 55 and a 33 that may be better, too, you can set up each tank a little differently to accommodate whichever species you put in each tank.

[Alaskancorydoras]

I have 14 striata loaches in one of my 55s. I LOVE the dynamic of a larger "loach swarm." All my other loaches are in groups of 5, and the striata are by FAR more open and social. I attribute this to having a large community.

[raecarrow]

I think 5 of any of those are the minimum number for a reasonable social order. I would go with the tank with the largest foot print. Most Loaches are bottom oriented, even sids, which spend a certain amount of time in the mid-tank areas, too.

Get them more acreage.
If this ends up being a 55 and a 33 that may be better, too, you can set up each tank a little differently to accommodate whichever species you put in each tank.

If I was to get two larger tanks, say a 55 and a 33, how should I split up my groups of loaches?

Should I put the larger species of loaches together (Almorhae and Kub) and the smaller species together (Striata and sid).

Or should I put the more boisterous together (Sid and Kub) and the not so boisterous together (Almorhae and Striata).

Also how many of each group would be ideal (I know the concept of ideal varies from person-to-person and by species of fish)? However, all I've really heard is that 5 of each is the minimum that should be kept.

Thanks again for the insight!
Rae

[mickthefish]

i'd go with the larger species in the 55 and combine the striata and sids on the 33, also i'd get another 5 kubs and leave the almorhae at the number you have now.

mick

[Diana]

I would look at the temperature and water chemistry preferences. Might end up putting 3 species in the larger tank, or maybe 2 in each tank.

[raecarrow]

I only have 4 species of Loach. Of course I would add dither fish (I'm thinking Danios would be good) and I have a few BNs that I will spread around to clean the tanks.

[Diana]

For many shy fish Danios are not such good dithers. They are too frantic, and can suggest to the shy fish that there is a problem, something to worry about because of the way the Danios dart around.
I would look into a somewhat calmer fish. Some of the Rainbows are good for the larger tank, and there are quite a few Tetras, Barbs or Rasboras that could work in the smaller tank.
How about Pencils, Hatchets (closed tank), or some other calmer schooling fish? Ruby Barbs? or Pentazonas?