Kuhli Loaches

[Gix]

I have a 20 US gallon tank, and eventually I hope to stick some kuhli loaches in it. But I have some questions before I do.

First: substrate. I know I should have a sandy substrate, but I haven't really found any for freshwater aquaria out there. I see bags of "marine sand," but I don't think that's what I should put in there. Will generic sandbox sand do?

Second of all, how many do you think will fit in 20 gallons? Their only tankmate might be an african butterfly fish, but I've been thinking about some upside down cats too (don't know much about them yet though). I would want to get at least 3.

I think that's all...I hope no one tells me my plan won't work for some reason or another.... I look forward to seeing what you think!

 

[xXMrBonesXx]

If you put sand in you'll never see them, go with a non sharp gravel substrate and give them something to hide in/under, not sure how many you can put in a 20 gallon but no more then 5

 

[The-Wolf]

If you put sand in you'll never see them

my khulies are in a 30gal with sand and I see them all the time.

Yes generic play sand will be fine, and a lot cheaper than aquarium sand.
you could also use pool filter sand (try a swimming pool shop/contractors) although this again cost more than play sand.

for a 20gal with one or two other fish you could
easily house 8 to 10 khulies, IMO.

 

[Lateral Line]

Marine sand is not suitable for freshwater, with the possible exception of rift tanks. It is mostly crushed coral and other calcareous material which will harden your water and raise it's pH.

I use swimmin gpool filter sand. It has a more even grain size and shape, thus it does not pack down as much as silver sand etc.

Be careful with building sand, it often has chemicals added to it to make it easier to work with whilst building, (plasticisers etc.).

Whatever type of sand you use, you will need to keep it open. If you don't, it will pack down and can develop anærobic bacterial growth. I prod mine around from time to time with a chop stick. Finer or less sorted sand will require more "gardening".

 

[LoachLover]

First: substrate. I know I should have a sandy substrate, but I haven't really found any for freshwater aquaria out there. I see bags of "marine sand," but I don't think that's what I should put in there. Will generic sandbox sand do?

They sell sand at most pet stores like Petco sand that is a little lager than a pouder sand and I've used that before and it works really good.

 

[Gix]

Great! I'll check out each of those types of sand.

What about stocking? I've heard two very different answers on how many kuhli's I can fit in there. Let's say I just have them with one African butterflyfish (adult length: 4 inches). How many kuhlis could I really fit in there? Five? More??

 

[LoachLover]

I don't have much experience with Kuli loaches, but I would say 5 or more in a 20 gallon would be over doing it.

 

[Gix]

Yeah, my first guess would have been 3. But because of their shape, you can't just count them using the "inch of fish" rule. I'm clueless!

 

[LoachLover]

Yeah, my first guess would have been 3. But because of their shape, you can't just count them using the "inch of fish" rule. I'm clueless!

lol, well I'd go with your gut instinct thinking 3

 

[CathyG]

IMO 5 would be fine They are not great waste producers so will not tax your bio system. The inch per gallon rule is a general guide and does not take into consideration the strain that is put on your filtration by each inch of fish counted. For instance, a 2 inch Platy will create more waste than a 3 inch Khuli.

I have sand and they love it! And I do see them, especially after lights off. They love to wind themselves through the stems of the tall plants, or weave in a group up and down the side of the tank (a little like the clown loach dance!) lol!

Indulge yourself, they are great fish!

 

[LoachLover]

IMO 5 would be fine They are not great waste producers so will not tax your bio system. The inch per gallon rule is a general guide and does not take into consideration the strain that is put on your filtration by each inch of fish counted. For instance, a 2 inch Platy will create more waste than a 3 inch Khuli.

I have sand and they love it! And I do see them, especially after lights off. They love to wind themselves through the stems of the tall plants, or weave in a group up and down the side of the tank (a little like the clown loach dance!) lol!

Indulge yourself, they are great fish!

Yeah I can see what you're saying. But if you know me, I usually overdo it for tank sizes