i can't resist, i'm getting the khuli loaches

[diavids]

I'm getting 6 khuli loaches tomorrow, and i'm planning to put them in the tank with my 3 jr Keyhole cichlids, male guppies, 1 hillstream loach, 4 cory's. Also in the tank are 2 baby synodontis brichardi cats. I'm not concerned about these synodonitis cats are they are still small, super timid and live in a large piece of driftwood. I read that khuli's shouldn't be put with agressive fish like cichlids but since Keyholes are quite laid back for cichlids do you think I could run into a problem. While I wish the tank was larger (29 hex) for all the various bottom dwellers, I do have lots of caves and hiding places. I am also planning to replace this tank with a 3 foot 33 gal later this year. In preparing for the loaches, I did a partal water change today, checked the water quality ph 7, amnonia 0,nitrite 0, nitrate less than 5. So that is where it should be. I don't have a QT tank but I know and trust the person I'm getting the loaches from so I'm sure they are healthy. Do you think this set up should be fine for now. thanks

[fish_frenzy]

I honestly think Kuhli loaches will be miserable in that tank. The footprint on the hex tanks aren't suitable for any of the loaches as even the Kuhli's love to race at break neck speed from one end to the other end of their tank. I would hold off until you set up another tank. One of the more experienced loach keepers should be along...maybe they can offer a different opinion.

Tammy

[diavids]

I do have a 3 foot 45 gal tank as well (its taller than the usual 45 gal), the loaches can go in that tank instead. the tank is heavily planted but it does already have a handful of bottom dwellers, some cory's, 3 smaller plecos, 3 upside cats, 2 otto's and 1 lace cat (who isn't very large yet) I have lots of hiding places in this tank, driftwood, caves etc. Also in the tank are congo tetras, 1 bov ram, 1 nijsseni dwarf cichlid, some smaller tetras, danios. If I put the loaches in this tank, I could just move the small tetras to other tanks I have set up. I don't know why I didn't seriously think of this tank before. I can't not get the loaches tomorrow, as the person is bringing them over to the island while they are here visiting. so I'm commited to take them.

would this be better? please let me know tonight if possible as I'm picking up the fish tomorrow morning.

[Diana]

The 3', 45 gallon sounds much better.
Keyholes are indeed pretty mellow as Cichlids go, but I agree, the little Hex tank is not right for Loaches.

[diavids]

thank you for replying. I'll put the loaches in the larger tank. i heard they aren't very good at keeping snail populations down so I gather my apple snails and naeritdae snails should be safe with them. They are more than welcome to the other snails that have invaded the tank. maybe they will keep the baby snail population down.
i apprecaite the help very much
dianne

[starsplitter7]

When your Kuhlies get settled in, make sure you post pictures.

I just set up a new tank for my Kuhlies, Horseheads and guppies with a sand bottom and they are thrilled. The entire herd is out and about dancing along the glass. I have lots of Java moss and floating plants and hidey holes for the Kuhlies. The Eel Kuhlies and Horseheads hang out in the sand. But the Eel Kuhlies come out to dance and the horsehead scoot along the sand sifting the sand for yummies.

[diavids]

thank you, I will try to get pictures once they are all settled in. Your tank sounds lovely. The substrance in the 45 gal tank is a mix of very fine gravel and playsand, my cory's shift around in it, so I expect the loaches should be fine with it as well. thanks again, dianne