Single clown?

[Fishlover888]

I know that clowns like to be in group of 3 or more. I just wonder if anyone is able to keep a single clown in the tank. I don't have too much spare bio load for the tank and I really want a loach to eat the snails.

Tried yoyos and zebras, did not work. Had to take them back to the store because they kind of aggressive to my discus. Might as well give clown a try.

[Emma Turner]

I'm afraid that's the wrong attitude to have when thinking about taking on clown loaches, Fishlover888. They should be considered as lifelong companions, not just a snail-eater to be returned once done with. Keeping just one because of space is not right either.

Have you tried snail traps yet? Many people have great success with these.

Emma

[Martin Thoene]

Yes, have to agree with Emma. It would be like you having a specialist skill Fishlover888 and me saying that I want you to come and work for me, but you can't see your family or friends ever and anyone else you do meet won't speak your language. It would be a pretty lonely life eh?

Botiine loaches have very complex social lives within a group and fundamentally need those interactions. If you are concerned about bioload you cannot contemplate fish that will grow substantially either. Also, they tend to be too boisterous around Discus.

Martin.

[Fishlover888]

Thanks for the advise. I wish I had bit more room so I can have 3 of them in the tank.

Well, maybe I can give my friend one or two of my 6" discus. Should that give me enough room to house three of them? I want them to be happy and healthy. That's why I'm concerned about the bio load issue and ask questions befor I get them.

My other discus are mostly around 3.5" to 4.5". Only two of them are about 6" and one is about 5".

Never had luck with clowns in my rainbow tank. I did not do as much of the water changes as my discus tank for sure. I think I did about 30% WC every two weeks at that time. Maybe the better water condition will be good for them this time?

[LoachOrgy]

Yeah fishlover, I too bought a lone clown loach recommended by the lfs. The loach did rid me of all 300 snails in one week. There werent' even small snails left. However, I didn't realize at the time the requirements for this species. I have completely changed my tank stock and arrangements to fit the needs of the loaches. Not to mention I had to get more bc I loved the loaches so much. So much I turned my entire tank into a loach tank. However, they are the most entertaining fish I have owned. So I will always have a loach tank from that day on. Give me some of your snails, I can feed em to my loaches lol..

[Emma Turner]

Unfortunately, this will not be a very good combination. The nocturnal behaviour of the clown laoches will spook and disturb your Discus overnight, every night. They can also get a bit boisterous at feeding times too, which doesn't suit Discus.

Emma