Clown Loaches And Tank Size

[Assaye]

Ok, first of all, I'm not stupid.

I know that when people say "don't worry about the tank size, fish just grow to the size of the tank" they are talking rubbish.

However, I just wanted to check the case with clown loaches. A friend of mine with some fishkeeping experience assures me that a pair of clown loaches will be fine in a 100 litre tank long term and has even said they are a special case when it comes to fish growth. I'm 99.9% sure this is rubbish, but I'd like to see what experienced clown loach keepers think.

 

[matchstickman47]

i dont keep them but i know for a fact that they need 50 gallon tank for about 3 to live happily... they can get to 30 cms long 100 litres is just plain cruel imo

 

[zuulan]

I would say 400ltr



This is a good guide:

clown loach

 

[matchstickman47]

so would i ... 50 gallon is the bare minimum

 

[totally tropical]

so would i ... 50 gallon is the bare minimum

I have 5 in a 300 litre tank - they are smallish at present, so hopefully I will not have to get rid of any in future. As many on here will know, they love each other's company which is the reason I got 5 and not 2-3.

 

[meguro]

have a look at botia striata, b. kubotai, b. almorhae

 

[Truck]

volume doesnt really play a part...foot print however does! you should ideally have a 5 footer to house them their entire life, i dont like the atitude of people that think its acceptable to keep these fish as a temporary pet. they should have a suitable tank from the start IMO

 

[Davo86]

This is my opinion based on my experience

Juvi clowns can be kept in tanks of 200Litres +,
This Must be upgraded to a 400L+ within 18-24 months.

They should also be kept in groups
With an Absolute bare minimum of 3, Ideally more

 

[matchstickman47]

volume doesnt really play a part...foot print however does! you should ideally have a 5 footer to house them their entire life, i dont like the atitude of people that think its acceptable to keep these fish as a temporary pet. they should have a suitable tank from the start IMO

i agree.... i saw some guy buying a common pleco and he sayed when its too big ... hell just take it back...