I Just Added The 6th Clown Loach

[jollysue]

I got 4 wc clown Loaches a year or more ago to add to my Tanganyika Rift tank. I already had 2 in the community tank and planned to add them so there would be 6. But one went underground and only came out more recently as the dario and straita Botia matured and he got his very own log. LOL

But recently since he was hiding in his log and it is closed at one end, I decided to dump him in with his five friends. The five 4-5" clowns in the Tanganyika Tank come out a little but not so much and have been very shy.

But since adding the 6th WOW! they are out swiming in loops and across the length of the tank and out to feed without fear! It is really a noticable change.

I will watch for a photo shot of them to take. But just thought I'd post this.

 

[nath1]

I have three clowns and recently added two more. i have lost one, have no idea where he's gone???, but just having that extra one has brought all mine out so much more. Another two would be nice
Pics of yours and your tank would be cool ,
Nathan.

 

[jollysue]

Thanks, Nathan.

I will work on it. In the meantime: from previous thread

When I got the last four from an importer on AquaBid he made sure that I would have at least 6, because he said it really made a difference. I had been reluctant to add the sixth once he came out of hiding because I had begun to think better of keeping them in a hard water tank as they are a soft water fish. But the others seemed to be doing well and so I did finally add the 6th. It has made a lot of difference in their behavior.

Whenever I purchase clowns now I treat the water with at least on dose of AquariSol. Loaches are very prone to ich when stressed. Of the 4 that I bought over a few years from the LPS 2 survived. I did not lose any that were shipped from the importer.

Loaches can dig in and hide for long periods of time when stressed or there is desease in a tank. I have heard, but it is unconfirmed, that they will bury themselves for very long periods.