Loaches Online Forum

I'm sure people will get sick of me asking so many questions on here. But I'm new at this. Lol. So bare with me.

Since I will be getting a new tank for my loaches and pleco, I was wondering what other fish would be good tank mates for them. My 4 loaches seem to be a pretty tight nit group already.

It won't be for a while till I get the new setup done and the fish used to before I add any newcomers. I just want to get some opinions on it. I've been reading like always. But it's always good to hear from people who actually keep them and what they have to say.

Hi Tay there are numerous choices , if I where you I'd look in as many books as you can, or look at the fish site's to see what takes your fancy , then perhaps if you mention the name's here, someone could advise you as to the compatibility with your currant stock

I went with rainbows and denisoni barbs for tankmates in my 90g. I have boesemani, irian reds, turquoise and yellow (herbertaxelodi) rainbows. A good site with a gallery is badmans tropical fish.
http://badmanstropicalfish.com/2ndpage.html

Take a long look at this site its very through and informative. Your doing the right thing now and planning before you setup. Its what i did and haven't looked back with any regret.

Thanks guys!

I was thinking about maybe getting some Harlequin Rasboras, Tiger Barbs, or some Tetras. What do you think about Jordanella floridae (American Flagfish) or Hatchets??

And how many do you recommend of each species to get?? I know most are schooling fish.

If you get just about any barbs i'd get a good sized group 8+ or else they may nip/chase other fish. If you like Tigers do a little research on black ruby barbs. The females look like tigers and the males can look fantastic. They could be hard to find though.

Harlequins and Hachetts should also be in a group. Harlequins will stay around mid level of the tank, Hachetts will stay at the surface.

I kept some flag fish at one time but they didn't thrive. I think they're very attractive interesting fish, but I think they need a heavy vegetable/algae diet.

Have you considered Siamese Algae Eaters? I know you mentioned a pleco, SAEs eat algaes which the pleco won't touch.

I would avoid the tiger barbs unless you do research, like mentioned above.

Hatchets are excellent at jumping out of the tank. Harlequin rasboras are lovely and would do well.

I will definitely keep doing my research. What about some Tetras??

Also, is it ok to get them soon and ad them to the tank with the 4 loaches I already have?? Which ever fish I finally decide to get that it. I'm thinking the Rasboras.

Also what about Gourami's??
Would they be a good candidate??

Hi Tay , there are loads of different barbs , and as tank mates for loaches are a great choice too, though most do better in groups of at least 6 ,more if possible !

I wouldn't get gouramis as dithers. If you want gouramis, do a lot of research and make sure what you buy is the right species. I worked in a pet store, and fish came in wrongly labeled all the time. And some of the gouramis were very aggressive. They also tend to lounge, and the clowns need actively schooling fish.

What about Playts?

We have Rasbora Espei (similar to harlequin) and danio kyathit in our loach tank, although we don't have Clowns. Clowns get big, so the Rasboras might eventually get eaten. The danios really like to play in the current.

The forum is here for asking questions

Thanks for your advice Katy! Much appreciated

I have rainbows (bosemani and turquiose), two big, fat SAE's, and buenos aires tetras in with my five clowns. The buenos aires tetras are an underrated tetra, I think.
They make a BEAUTIFUL school (glittery silver with red fins, nice black stripe in the tail) and are big enough to not eventually be lunch. They are also lovely dithers, active and totally peaceful.

Of course, the rainbows are also lovely: nice, big and colorful. All get along really well. Will need a bigger tank, of course (they are in a 125G at the present) but I think I have a bit of time.

This brings up the question (just like in landscaping your yard): you need to think about the ADULT size of the tankmates! Are you going to be able to upgrade if you get, or keep clowns???
I personally HAVE to have them, and will upgrade when the time comes. So I totally understand wanting to find the BEST tankmates for the long haul.
good luck!