Recommend A Loach

[jnw1981]

I have a 90 ltr tank currently home to 4 balloon molly's, 2 neon blue gourami's and 3 tetra's.
After the sad death of a batch of chocolate gourami's my tank is looking a little bare.

The top and middle waters are busy enough, although I'm looking for something new to occupy the lower third.
I have plenty of Cory's across other tanks but have never had Loaches before.

In which case which would be an appropriate Loach for my 90 ltr tank?
Do they have special feeding requirements? Ideal quantity?
Are they suitable for what is a very peaceful community tank?

thanks for any tips

 

[youngfisher]

Not sure if they would make your tank over stocked by Khuli Loachs. I love them!

You need around 4-6 of them to make them feel comfortable.

 

[Elrohirthehasty]

Not sure if they would make your tank over stocked by Khuli Loachs. I love them!

You need around 4-6 of them to make them feel comfortable.

thats my vote too!

 

[bagu]

dwarf chain loach gets my vote!

 

[mixmaster jay]

im a fan of yoyo (pakistani) loaches they are meant to get around 4" and live for 5 years on paper but mine is 16 years and 7" lol and the livliest fish in the tank lol

 

[Aussie_Dog]

I'm going to echo the vote for yoyo loaches. I have 7 and they're the most lively, personable fish I have. If I'm in a rush somewhere, I have to command myself not to look at that tank, because just one glance at one yoyo, and I'll be mesmerized. I'll look at the one little guy, then my glance will move over to the biggest one, then I'll watch two digging through some cracks in driftwood, then I'll look at the clock and realize I've just lost 10 minutes. They're not the most colorful, but I think they make up for it in personality. Of course, I think I see their personality because there's a good number of them in there. I once moved one guy into a 10gal (quarantine, I thought he was coming down with something) and he hid under a small bit of driftwood until he was moved back home.

 

[Lestat999]

I would agree with youngfisher, Khuli loach would be best suited to your small tank. you may get away with Chain loach. Loach need to be kept in groups of 6+ to see their true personality & YoYos grow to 7" - 8" in the right conditions and they're chunky too. Remember you will need a fine substrate like sand to protect them as they bury themselves a lot.

Be warned though if you buy some you will get hooked on them, they are great to watch. Years ago I was given a couple of clowns from a friend who bought a tank and didn't want the livestock, I now have 25 of the buggers in my 160g and they are brilliant, those old boys are around 10" now...

 

[twin54]

I will vote for YOYO's as wel! I got 4 of them and when they dont notice I'm staring at them they give me a great laugh! I find if I stand infront of the tank and they see me they hide and are shy but once they get use to me being htere or dont notice me it's "Game on" and the crazy antics come out!

 

[caliskier]

I will vote for YOYO's as wel! I got 4 of them and when they dont notice I'm staring at them they give me a great laugh! I find if I stand infront of the tank and they see me they hide and are shy but once they get use to me being htere or dont notice me it's "Game on" and the crazy antics come out!

I like clowns, they are a lot of fun. Never got a Yoyo before and want to look into them. I have had Kulie loaches before, but they hid themselves way to much. So much so that the only time I would see them was for a few minutes while cleaning.

 

[mattlee]

hi, i have a polkadot loach in my 90 ltr tank on his own not in a group and he is fine. my lfs told me he would only grow to 8cm but i think its going to be slightly more than that.... he sometimes hides away but whenever food is about he is all over the place and great fun to watch very nice colours too tan/dark brown/pale blue spots, some loaches are quite dull, with the exception of clowns but they grow way too large for your tank. my loach cost about £12 but was well worth it. make sure you check them out.