Advice Please: Clown Loach

[LucyLu]

Hi there,

Should have posted this here instead of the start up topic.

I'm new to the forum as I'm starting to keep some tropical fish and really enjoying it. Currently I have a biorb which I am replacing with a new aquarium which is cycling (fish less).

However, I've was given some terrible advice from my LFS and now I'm wandering what to do...

I had a few little snails in my biorb and so I went to my LFS to ask if they had something suitable that could help eat them (this was about a month ago). She said 'we have a juvenile clown loach which would be perfect'... I corrected her and said I thought they were shoaling fish and she said it was a misconception and it'd be fine.. I then said twice that I had a biorb and I didn't think it was a good idea but she reassured me that it would be absolutely fine. I stupidly took her advice as it's very well known marine and reptile shop but after researching again and again (which I'd already done before I went) I know it was a mistake to get it.

The clown loach is absolutely gorgeous, very active/playful, colourful and healthy. There are lots of little caves and nooks and cranny's set up for her (think it's female) in my biorb. She's not shying away, gets on with the few other fish I have in there (I haven't over stocked) and doesn't seem stressed ... I've made sure that the ceramic media is only surrounding the filter right at the bottom and is then covered with softer gravel and soft marble stones.

Because I like her so much I have bought a new tank and want to buy a couple more... Is 3 enough to begin with? The new tank I've bought is a 60lt, 2ft long, 1ft high and 1ft wide. I've put in soft sand, planted it nicely (need a few more) and added a couple of little caves. I realise that they grow big and so I will eventually upgrade (at the moment the new tank is all I have room for) but if I bought say another couple of juvenile clown loaches would they be ok in my new tank, for a while at least, or should I just cut my losses and try and re-home the little darling I have?

Please don't think I'm being mean by keeping her. I am doing my best to make her comfortable and genuinely want what's best for her, which is why I went out and bought a new tank and I will re-home her if you all think it's for the best. What's the best way to re-home? I don't want to bring her back to my LFS only for her to be sold off to someone alone again.

Thanks,
L

 

[thereverendturtle]

Three small ones imo would be ok for up to a year. They are fairly slow growing. Again this is just my opinion, they do get very large and will need a huge aquarium as adults, but for now I think you'll be ok.

 

[TwoTankAmin]

Here is as good read from the Loaches.com forum. Pay particular attention to what Emma Turner has to say.

http/forums.loaches.com/viewtopic.php?t=16283

And lone clowns do not do well over time. They get a bit nutso and will not behave as normal clowns kept in groups do. I have seen it first hand.

 

[LucyLu]

hi both.. thanks for your reply.

I think the general consensus is that ideally clown loaches need at least a 4ft tank even when juvenile so I am going to try and re-home her as quickly as possible.

Will get a shoal in the future when I have more space for a larger tank.

 

[onidrase]

long term, clown loaches will need a huge tank, I'd say 6'x2'x2', and 3 wouldn't be enough, 6 is a minimum. I would start the juveniles in nothing smaller than 3 feet, while having the future tanks already owned or soon to be owned, rather than anticipated. Since clowns in particular are notorious for getting ich if kept in a tank too small or alone or in a small group, I'd rehome it asap. There are a lot of other, smaller loaches which can fit in your new tank, though.

 

[Lestat999]

Sadly, the only advise any experienced loachkeeper could give you is to rehome the little 'un. If you were able to upgrade to a 4' immediately and get at least another 4 then you would be fine for a year or two but ultimately if you want to keep clowns you must plan to set up a tank of at least 6'.

It's very easy to get attached to little clowns as they are very cute but they do grow into big fish, I would recommend getting Botia Striata for your 3' tank they are great little fish.

 

[Tizer]

Thinking of upgrading your tank any time soon Lestat? Let me know if you do I'm following in your footsteps slowly

 

[Lestat999]

Thinking of upgrading your tank any time soon Lestat? Let me know if you do I'm following in your footsteps slowly

HaHa, I don't think my wife would allow anything bigger. I just read your thread, your tank is great looking!!

 

[Tizer]

Thinking of upgrading your tank any time soon Lestat? Let me know if you do I'm following in your footsteps slowly

HaHa, I don't think my wife would allow anything bigger. I just read your thread, your tank is great looking!!

Cheers, its getting there