I'm Requesting Criticism And Advice

[Tessla]

Weather loaches prefer temperatures ranging from 50-68 F, though they can survive at higher and lower temperatures it really isn't best for them. They could live at 74, but you'd be keeping the loaches and Sticky close to the ends of their temperature ranges which isn't such a great idea long term. Considering that weather loaches can easily get to a good nine inches long and larger, they're better suited to tanks of at least 55 gallons if not larger. They're excellent tankmates (or even pondmates) for fancy goldfish as both species thrive in larger tanks with cooler water.

Sounds as though you have a good plan for the 55 gallon though you'll have to be careful with agression as it varies from fish to fish. There are all sorts of barbs, you can probably find a species to suit your tank.

 

[Matt Winter]

Hmmm... I'm planning on putting in a smallish pond soon, so my worries about my loach are -

Can he over winter, or should I bring him in in the fall?

Will he squirm out of the pond and get eaten by a bird? Because I know they can squirm around out of water.

Thanks again -

 

[Matt Winter]

I've read a bit more and it seems they can definitely over winter, and I haven't yet found anything about them getting eaten by birds. On the off chance he crawls out, they'd have to find their way to a storm drain and then hope it emptied onto a river and not the bay, so I don't think I have to worry about accidentally introducing weather loaches here.

Cool, I'll have a loach and goldfish pond. I'd still appreciate any suggestions about the 55 gallon tank.

Thanks again.

 

[Tessla]

Depends on where you live really and how deep your pond is, I've heard of weather loaches survive freezing winters in deep ponds and growing very large, though they'd be better off without the freezing winter they are very durable fish. The deeper the pond, the less likely any fish in your pond are to be eaten by birds or other critters though there will always be a chance.

 

[LisaLQ]

I just read moments ago on another thread that bichirs shouldn't go in with anything smaller than 5" long and 2" wide. I'm not sure how correct that is, might be worth asking in the oddball section.