Clown Loach Biotope

bigehugedome

So will do my research when it's time, but this tank won't be set up for at least like 2 years or so.

So I love clown loaches and know they require big tanks. I want to set up a Clown Loach biotope. I want the tank to be at least 150 gallon. What kind of biotope is this called? Is it a SE asain? What and how many clowns can I have? What about other fish and inverts?

Suggestions on plants, gravel and equipment too! Would a sump be best? Like I said, I'll do my real research when it's time, which won't be untill I'm settled in a house. I just figured you guys can just share your thoughts on this setup, as well as dealing with a large tank. And if anyone has some similar setup, I want pics!!!!!!

Oh and let's just assume my pH and hardness is ideal for this setup, as I have no idea where I will live.

Thanks guys

Byron

You have a couple options, depending upon how "authentic" you want to be. In our profile (click on the shaded name, Clown Loach) there is a paragraph on setting up a suitable aquarium.

I converted my 90g over to a stream habitat aquascape this past Spring, specifically for my loaches that are Botia kubotai. Photo below. This is something along the lines, although my 90g is not sufficient space by any means for Clown Loach, but this design in a 6-foot 150g would work well for a group of 5 clowns.

You could use sand, and plants would be different for the reasons explained in the profile. The plants have grown in so thick in my tank that you can't really see the underlying hardscape, but there are all along the tank length 4 chunks of bogwood supported/wedged in boulders to create "caves". Loaches like to select their own, so several is needed. Having "hiding spots" means they will be out and about much more, knowing they can retreat if threatened. The incredible antics I frequently observe from my group is amazing.

Byron.

Attached Images

90g Apr 22-11.jpg (78.9 KB, 30 views)

bigehugedome

Wow, those are some cool looking loaches, I don't think I have seen them before. I have been meaning to take a trip to a store thats kinda far from me (45mins) just to check out what they have. Its been about 9 months since i was there last but they had like 15 different loach species there, Ill have to check to see if they have the same ones you do.

So I know clown loaches get big, and I know they live long, but people online always have young ones. For instance, youtube has videos of them in small tanks, swimming around like crazy. Im not suprised that I could only have 5 in a 150gallon, and im sure they would love it. But are they really still active when they get bigger and older?

I have only seen 1 big guy in a shop ( 8 inches maybe) and it was a horrible environment for him. He was only there for a week so hopefully he went to a good home. But now that I think of it, if 12 inch clowns are as active as they are when they are 5 inches (like your loaches and my zebras) Im scared the tank would get destroyed!!!

How could I make caves big enough for them? How would the other fish deal with them? Im sure they could ruin my plants if they wanted. I watch my zebra loaches uproot my stem plants at least once a week lol.

Byron

One must always consider the fish's potential size and ensure it is provided for. Fish grow all their lives, and they need not only physical space but the better water quality that comes with adequate space. Both are crucial to a fish's development internally. What we term stunting can occur if fish are in too small a space right from the outset. Fish expect to grow to a certain size, and physiologically they do; if the space constricts this, internal organ development will be deformed, the immune system will malfunction, and you have sick fish that rarely live their potential.

That doesn't mean you need a 6-foot tank for five 2-inch loaches; but it means you must have that in mind, because they will grow and that is what they will require in order to live normal healthy lives.

My Botia kubotai attain 5 inches, so five of them in a 90g is fine. I would never even consider clown loaches as I have no plans for a 6-foot tank. My 5-foot is not sufficient long-term.

Fish swimming crazily around a tank is usually indicative of trouble; the fish is highly stressed, and this means unhappy and health problems.