Kuhli Loach minimum tank size?

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GallonsOfFun
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Nov 07, 2015 7:49 pm

Kuhli Loach minimum tank size?

Post by GallonsOfFun » Sat Nov 21, 2015 12:13 pm

I've seen 10, 15, 20, and 30 gallons listed on the internet. Which is it?

Bas Pels
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Joined: Sat Nov 30, 2013 9:08 am

Re: Kuhli Loach minimum tank size?

Post by Bas Pels » Sun Nov 22, 2015 2:45 am

European books say the smallest tanks for kuhli are 60 * 30 8 30 cm, or 2 *1 * 1 feet. Don't know how much gallon (US or UK?) that is

Greek
Posts: 72
Joined: Sun Sep 14, 2008 2:17 pm
Location: Krakow, Poland

Re: Kuhli Loach minimum tank size?

Post by Greek » Sun Nov 22, 2015 4:55 am

GallonsOfFun wrote:I've seen 10, 15, 20, and 30 gallons listed on the internet. Which is it?
That's bad idea to talk about gallons/litres when debating about tank size requirements for loaches. The only important issue are base dimensions. For example You can have a tank 60x30x20 centimeters and that's 9,5 US gallons. On the other hand You can try with 60x30x40 and it's 19 gallons. Two times larger, but for loaches it doesn't make any difference. I would reccomend You a tank longer than 2 feet, maybe 2 feet and 4 inches. If You are experienced You can try with classic 2x1 feet, but only when you ensure them a suitable environment to let them avoid stress.

Diana
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Location: Near San Franciso

Re: Kuhli Loach minimum tank size?

Post by Diana » Sun Nov 22, 2015 11:09 am

Ditto the 'footprint' size idea, but I would suggest a mid size to taller tank, once the footprint is the right size.
Kuhlis and many other Loaches are active in the upper areas as well, exploring, resting in the branches or on the leaves, and can jump out.

For example, in US sizes, a 20 gallon long has the same footprint as a 29 standard gallon tank. Both are 30" long x 12" deep (front to back) but the 20 long is a shallow tank, well suited to flowing streams or bottom dwellers like Dwarf Cichlids. The 29 is taller, and gives the Loaches more room to explore.
In metric:
20 long is 76 liters, 60cm x 30 cm x 30 cm
29 standard is 110 liters, 60 x 30 x 45 cm
That extra 15 cm in height makes a significant difference.

I would not keep Kuhlies in a 10 gallon.
I have kept them in a 20 gallon standard tank (45 cm x 30 cm x 41 cm)
I preferred watching them play in a 29 gallon or a 40 gallon breeder (75 cm x 41 cm x 41 cm). They are very active and will use the whole tank as their playground.
38 tanks, 2 ponds over 4000 liters of water to keep clean and fresh.

Happy fish keeping!

NancyD
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Joined: Thu Jan 05, 2006 9:17 pm
Location: SF bay area,US

Re: Kuhli Loach minimum tank size?

Post by NancyD » Sun Nov 22, 2015 11:45 pm

I've kept very small (~2 inch) kuhlis in a 10g (20 x10 inch) quarantine tank, some in a 20g long (30 inch x 12 footprint x 12" high) for several months...& also in a 48 x 16 rimless for 1+ year. They are active & used all areas of each tank especially with tall or floating plants. I would not keep them long term in a standard US 10g...a 30 x 12 seemed shallow for their activity but safe if tank is topped or lots of floating plants; 16 inch height rimless...always iffy in terms of jumping but I did not have that issue. Just my experiences...
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botiaboy
Posts: 154
Joined: Wed May 31, 2006 5:53 pm
Location: Connecticut

Re: Kuhli Loach minimum tank size?

Post by botiaboy » Sat Nov 28, 2015 11:03 am

As a minimum? Depends on your definition of minimum. Of course an experienced fishkeeper could keep them in a 2 gallon jar with a good filter and frequent water changes. They wouldn't be very happy though. I would say a 10 gallon is a minimum but as always bigger is always better. I have had them fairly content in a 10 but my school of 5 LOVES my 55 gallon loach community tank.
My loaches:
5 kubotai
5 almorhae
5 kuhli
5 zebra
1 aborichthys

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