Is My Weather/golden Dojo Loach Lonely?

[Maddy]

I recently bought a golden dojo/weather loach to put in my (nearly) brand new 10 gallon tank.

Unfortunately I am a new fish keeper and made the mistake of assuming that since my fish was purchased from a smaller tank than mine, that it wouldn't grow much larger. I never really thought about fish growing after I bought them (which I know, is kinda stupid but that's beside the point haha.) I hadn't done any research before I bought him and it wasn't until after I had him in my tank that I discovered that he might potentially grow to be more than 6" AND that this species prefers to live in groups of 3 or more. I really have to stop putting faith in the employees of Petco. Needless to say, I will be finding a new place to purchase my fish and supplies.

Anyway, I am a little worried about my loach. I would love to have another friend for him because I have really gotten attached to the one I have now. However, I am not sure that a 10 gallon will be enough for them... As of now, he is only around 2 and 1/2 inches so I believe there is plenty of room for him with the size he is so far, seeing as I only have one ghost shrimp currently in the tank besides him. Well, I also have some molly fry but I wouldn't consider buying another fish until I have a found a new home for all of them. (I do not intend on keeping any.)

Would it be a stupid idea to buy another weather loach? I really, really love the one I have and I would be sad if I had to get rid of him...However, I'm afraid that he feels isolated. I am willing to upgrade to a larger tank size to accommodate them as soon as they have outgrown the 10 gallon.

 

[fluttermoth]

The trouble with 'getting a new tank when they outgrow this one' is that very often they never outgrow it, due to deteriorating water quality or a build up of growth inhibiting hormones produced by the fish.

If you want to keep weather loaches, then get the bigger tank now and then get him a buddy or two. He will be lonely, yes; loaches are very social fish.

 

[Maddy]

The trouble with 'getting a new tank when they outgrow this one' is that very often they never outgrow it, due to deteriorating water quality or a build up of growth inhibiting hormones produced by the fish.

Ahh... you're SO right I had never thought of it like that before! D: Could I still wait a few more months to a year? He is pretty small compared to the rest of the tank thus far... Is there any way I could prevent the deteriorating water quality or growth inhibiting hormones for a little while longer? I just can't afford a larger tank at the moment since I JUST got this one a month or so ago...

 

[fluttermoth]

Well, the sooner the better, but you have a few months leeway, if you're utterly rigorous with your water changes; at least 75% twice a week, but more if you can manage it.

 

[star4]

weather loach grow larger than 6" they can reach 10" they are a very active fish and need a lot of room, an escape proof tank is also necessary.

 

[fluttermoth]

an escape proof tank is also necessary.

lol, indeed! My Misgurnis obsessed mate once found one of hers ten feet away from the tank, under the dehumidifier

 

[Maddy]

Well, the sooner the better, but you have a few months leeway, if you're utterly rigorous with your water changes; at least 75% twice a week, but more if you can manage it.

Ah good, I figured I needed more water changes so I've been changing about 30% every other day, is that fine? I figure it's better to be gradual... I have a lot of time on my hands since its summer haha

weather loach grow larger than 6" they can reach 10" they are a very active fish and need a lot of room, an escape proof tank is also necessary.

Yes I heard that they were quite the escape artists! Good thing they can survive out of water for a few days, although I'm sure I'd notice within a couple hours since I'm obsessed with watching my tank! I have a cover over my 10 gallon but I'll be upgrading to a 29 gallon or bigger, and I've found that it's hard to find lids for those...

Speaking of which, will a 29 gallon be big enough...? D: