minimum number of khulli loaches

[pica_nuttalli]

i think i've finally decided to augment my little khulli what lives with the pufferfish. since there is a somwhat limited number of hiding spots in my tank, i don't want to add too many loaches. i was thinking of getting maybe two or three more. does that sound too heavy for my 20g?

my tank

planted 20 gal
-- 1 Colomesus Assellus [02/04]
-- 1 Khuli Loach [10/04]
-- 1 Bristlenose Pleco [11/04]

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

I don't know how long a colomesus grows, but with the current stock other than that they are fine in a 20 gal and 3 would be a good number- even though khuli loachs grow usually to about 5inchs they are one of those fish that you bend the one gal per inch rule with as they are very slender fish, don't produce much waste and they take up area in the tank that is not used by middle-dwelling fish.
They need somwhere dark though like a cave to sleep in so making a small cave with and entrance only the khuli loachs can get in or buying one would be a good idea too and also need catfish pelets or similar bottom dwelling fish supliment foods though to be healthy .

 

[XKrinXerZ]

No, not at all that sounds like a good number. right now i have 6 koolies but there in a much bigger tank then the one you have mentioned and they are very fascinating espeically when you turn your tank light off and ur room light off for like 5 mins. most of the koolies will come out and when you put ur room light back on and watch them eat your wafers or w/e u put in there. Good luck with the 20 gallon

 

[pica_nuttalli]

voila! my holey rock!

if you look close, you can see pufferfish chasing his reflection on the lefthand side.

 

[snowyangel]

I think you could easily add 3 more khulis to your lonely guy.
You don't necessarily need alot of caves, just alot of coverage for khulis to be happy. It could be wood, rocks, or plants (which i think they prefer). My 7 khulies share a 35g heavily planted, grass covered bottom tank which they enjoy immensely! They're always coming out in the open, not nearly as shy as when they had to run from decor to decor to hide. Now they can go anywhere on the bottom and always "feel" hidden.
I could try and take pics for you but all you may see is grass, lol. But i could try if you want to.

 

[XKrinXerZ]

i would like to see your pics. I am very fascinated by planted tanks i think they look really good and someday i want to upgrade to live plants. Curently i have silk plants.

 

[snowyangel]

Well here's some khulis pics and i will take full tank shots tomorrow ok?