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Zebra Loaches?

5K views 11 replies 4 participants last post by  okiemavis 
#1 ·
So I was thinking about getting Clown Loaches but I stumbled upon the Zebra Loach and found out that they only grow to be around 4 inches. Would I be able to have 4 or 5 of these guys in my 55g? What do these guys require to stay healthy in terms of tank items?
 
#4 ·
I planned on getting a pleco too, these are just something to take place of the clown loaches that have similar personalities.

Im using a small gravel substrate and I plan on getting Java Ferns once I get a few fish in there.

I think my plan is going along the lines of:
6 Zebra Loaches
3 Swordtails; 2 female, 1 male
7 to 10 Threadfin Rainbowfish
and probably some number of Gourami to add in some more color, maybe about 4 or 5.

How does that sound for stocking?

Edit:
Oh, the pH seemed to stable out around 7.5 over the last 2 weeks that it has been cycling and Im starting to get some nitrate development.
 
#5 ·
Sorry, I misread your post and thought you had written "clown pleco" not "clown loach". Those guys will make great replacements, although you could also look at getting corydoras or kuhli loaches.

Threadfins are awesome, an extremely underrated fish IMHO. I've got 12 in my community tank. The one thing you should be aware of is they really can't be housed with nippy fish. The only gourami I would feel comfortable housing them with would be honey gourami, the rest will be too nippy (not to mention most gourami are too territorial with each other as well). Another cool alternative to gourami would be a few female bettas. I've got one in my community tank and she's an amazing addition. They should be plenty peaceful and come in an incredible variety of colors.
 
#6 ·
I saw a honey gourami today and I really liked it. Do you think 2 would be too many?

If possible I think I really want to add in another 4-5 of some sort of schooling fish without overstocking it. I think Im getting close but I havnt done this before.


Edit:
A little off topic but my tank is cycling with 2 prawns and I decided to put them inside of a medium fish net twist tied shut, is this ok?
 
#7 ·
6 Zebra Loaches
3 Swordtails; 2 female, 1 male
7 to 10 Threadfin Rainbowfish
2 honey gouramis

Stocks are fine. Go for it.
 
#8 ·
:) Would more then 2 honey gourami go well together? Im still waiting on my tank to cycle or I would already have bought the fish haha. Starting to get some Nitrate readings finally...5ppm.

I do have a couple more questions.

Which fish should I introduce first? Im guessing either the Threadfins or the Zebras since the Gourami have territorial behavior.

Should I add fish in groups or a certain number at a time?
 
#9 ·
athlete3344 said:
:) Would more then 2 honey gourami go well together? Im still waiting on my tank to cycle or I would already have bought the fish haha. Starting to get some Nitrate readings finally...5ppm.

I do have a couple more questions.

Which fish should I introduce first? Im guessing either the Threadfins or the Zebras since the Gourami have territorial behavior.

Should I add fish in groups or a certain number at a time?
Keep one pair of gouramis only.

Honey gouramis are not that territorial however I'd buy them in this order below.

Swordtails
Honey gouramis
Threadfins
Loaches
 
#11 ·
athlete3344 said:
Im assuming I can add the 3 swords at the same time and the 2 gourami and the same time, but how many threadfins and loaches?

Once I add in one group, should I wait a few days before adding the next group or a week, and so on?
Add 3-4 per week.
 
#12 ·
The swordtails should be added first as they are the hardiest. I wouldn't add more fish than that as your tank's biological balance will need to readjust.

Honey's aren't very territorial at all, I housed two in a 10 gallon for a while and had no issues. Just as a note, you'll only be able to find males around, females are almost impossible to buy. Anyway, honey's are a good 2nd addition, but only add those two as you don't want to add too many fish at one time, nor do you want to add too few rainbows as it will scare them.

Threadfins are a little more delicate than the other's you've already added. Also, they're very active. I'd recommend adding 5 (so they feel comfortable) and seeing how much space they have. You can then gauge how many you should add in the next round.

Loaches are scaleless and therefore sensitive to water quality. Definitely the last fish to add, and be sure to leave plenty of time between each addition.
 
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