5ft Suitable for Clowns, also 3 Modesta's for sale or free

[dave_m13]

Hi All

I have 3 Clown Loaches, had them for about 3-4 years now and have grown to about 5" maybe slightly bigger. They are great even if I only see them in the evening, rest of the time they are resting under bogwood.

I would like to know whether it would possible to house these clowns for the rest of their lives in the 5ft tank they are in or would they eventually need to be put into a larger tank?

I am afraid that I also purchased 3 Modesta's (without researching first) normally do but they just looked cool, anyway I am pretty sure that they are killing my cardinals and after reading articles here are probably not suited with other loaches I have, Clowns, Zebra's and Kubs.

I am having a big rescape of this tank at the weekend and have 3 x 3-4" Modesta's to rehome, offers, they need to be picked up this sat though, otherwise they go to the lfs for nothing I am afraid.

Live in Rugby

Thanks
Dave

[newshound]

dave I will come get them right now...
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even if it is half way around the world...

[chefkeith]

Where is Rugby?

[helen nightingale]

is it Rugby in England?

i wish i had a spare tank for them

[dave_m13]

Yes Rugby, England. I'll update profile.

Its a shame really as they are excellent but I think long term need to get rid.

Anyone have any views on the 5ft tank for the clowns

[Emma Turner]

Hi Dave,

Unfortunately, the 5ft tank is not really going to be large enough (length-wise) for adult clowns. Yours are already at quite a good size, and you don't want to risk stunting them.

That is still a decent sized tank and as an alternative you could keep a nice big group of one of the medium sized botiid species in there, such as Botia almorhae. The change in pattern they undergo from the juvenile Yoyo markings to the adult reticulated pattern is quite remarkable.

Emma

[Gary Stanton]

Emma,
What do you consider the minimum size tank for full grown clowns. I was thinking of a 10 foot 300 US gallon? I too have fifteen 5-7 inch clowns. They are in a five foot 100 gallon tank and I'm starting to plan their new home.

[brett_fishman]

pretty sure emma and martin consider a 6 foot 120 gallon the minimum for full sized clowns.. i may be wrong though, it might be 150g

[Emma Turner]

Emma,
What do you consider the minimum size tank for full grown clowns. I was thinking of a 10 foot 300 US gallon? I too have fifteen 5-7 inch clowns. They are in a five foot 100 gallon tank and I'm starting to plan their new home.

Hi Gary,
Yes, I would usually say a 6ft x 2ft x 2ft as an absolute minimum for adult clowns. My 1000 litre tank is 7ft long and I know my clowns need more swimming length sometime soon. I have some video footage of them 'getting up speed' and then having to come to an abrupt halt, which I must get around to uploading soon - I think this will really help get the point across. A 10ft tank for yours would be very nice indeed. When we upgrade ours (after the house gets extended) it will be at least 10ft long. I have heard Steve mention up to 14ft, but this will depend on the largest sheets of glass our preferred tank manufacturer uses.
Emma

[dave_m13]

Thanks for the information people.

Ok in that case, I know that I will not be able to purchase a larger tank. So with this in mind, do I sell/return them now or wait a few years until they need to be rehomed. What sort of size could I get a away with for a 5ft tank.

They are the only fish my wife actually likes, she does not like fish, says I spend to much time on them.

Maybe just get quite a few Kubs and Zebra's then, not to keen on the YoYo's for some reason, what sort of temperament do they have?

Anyway, anyone want these Modesta's? and now maybe 3 clowns.

Thanks
Dave

[dave_m13]

Anyone?

[mickthefish]

personally Dave i would keep your clowns in the tank you have, as most will agree here there's no way we can ever try to replicate the wild, were keeping them in puddles of water compared to that.
but i would up your filtration , water movement and water management for your fish.
if you go the other way the fish youv'e said kubs and striata's would put a great show on for you and the missus and they're temprament is pretty docile with the odd skirmish now and again.

mick

[dave_m13]

Thanks for the advice Mick.

I have no problem with filtration, since having the tank I have had 2 extra filters, tetratec 1200 and Ehiem something suitable for 300 litre tank, along with the top filtration that came with the tank.So plenty of filtration.

I already have 4 Kubs and 4 Straita as well. I think I will keep the Clowns you never know several years down the road I may get bigger tank.

So I actually think I just will rehome the Modesta's, anyone interested. Free for anyone if they can pick them up on Sunday, otherwsie will be taking to the lfs for free.