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Clown loach too big for my tank?

6K views 14 replies 5 participants last post by  laeclaserind 
#1 ·
In my earlier days of raising fish my local pet store recommended me a clown loach to help out with a snail problem I had in my tank, the loach devoured the snails no problem but now I've been reading online and it sounds like he's going to get way too big for my tank eventually. My question is, should I try to find a friend, or another store, who will put my loach in a better home, or just wait until I can possibly put him in a larger tank? (he is about 4 inches now in my 30 gallon)
 
#2 ·
for sure going to get to large for your tank and they enjoy company 4-5+ which your tank is def. to small for.

if i was in your shoes i would try to return it to a fish store for atleast store credit. the shame of the story is, the next guy will come by and buy it with out knowing too.


welcome to the forum.
 
#3 ·
Sadly my local store is not very nice about taking back fish, even for free... I offered them two glo-lite tetras (my other two died from ich) for free because I didn't want to buy more and they wouldn't take them. I'll see if they want the loach, chances are I'll have to drive an hour to the next town to get someone to take him. What size tank would be best for him if I chose to upgrade my tank in the near future?
 
#4 ·
they will EVENTUALLY outgrow your tank. but they grow extremely slow. they will be fine in there for a long time. and the longer you keep them, the more credit you will get back if you trade them in. but who knows, by the time they get too big for that tank, you may have a bigger tank.
id keep them personally.
 
#5 ·
Unfortunately that is what will happen. You'll trade in the clown and someone else will buy him, and the cycle continues. Poor clown. I've got a herd of clowns and I can't imagine any of them being by their lonesome as they are such social creatures and require interaction amongst themselves to truly thrive.
Unless your planning to upgrade to a 100g and add a few more it's best to return him. :-(

PS. Aspects is right, they will grow quickly to 6 inches and then their growth slows after that. So keeping him might be an option after all. Who else do you have in that 30gl other than the loach?
 
#7 ·
hmm, unfortunately I was also not informed that they are a more social fish, once again, lesson learned from blindly listening to my local store. I'll see if somebody at one of the bigger stores in another city wants him, if anybody lives in Illinois or close by, I'd gladly give him to you if you want to come get him
 
#13 · (Edited)
I certainly have no problem getting one more (probably couldn't afford or fit 2), although the one I have eats a ton compared to all my little fish, I would also probably have to add another big rock or piece of driftwood, as my current loach lacks a lot of places to hide (he has 2 favorites). Would this be a decent solution until I get a 55g, or should I still try to find him a new home?
 
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