Need your help & suggestion

swapnil

Hello mates,

I have tank of 2.5-1.5-1.5 (in feet) with 8mm glass (Approx 42 gallons)
currently I have,
3 Swordtails (1 Male 2 female)
8 Tiger Barbs
2 Clown Loaches

My tank is 1 & half month old & all other fishes also except I added clown loaches yesterday.
I will buy more 2-3 Clown Loaches after few days. And I am aware that Clown Loach grow so big but mine are small yet & as they grow slow I am not bothering now. I will upgrade my tank later after year.
I also have 1 plant in my tank but dont know its name :D lol

I have some queries as follows:

1. I have gravel (not sand) in my tank,do I need sand ? I heard that Clown Loaches need sand only.

2. How frequently should I change my water & in what quantity ?

3. I currently feed them flake but its not sinking flake. Its floating flake & it rarely sinks down. My Clown Loaches dont come on the top swordies & tiger barbs ate everything. Thats why I put blanched cucumber in my tank. One of my Clown Loach seemed to be eating but another one not interested yet. What food should I feed them ? Sinking pellets or what ?

4. Fish waste eliminate automatically or I have to remove them manually while cleaning tank ?

Your answers would help me & suggestions are also welcomed.
Thank you all in advance

GwenInNM

Sand is nice for fish, but I don't think you "need" sand. If your gravel is pea gravel and small, plants and fish can do fine. You will definately need to upgrade your tank if you stay with fishkeeping and keep your clown loaches. Water changes weekly would be ideal. I have the same size tank with many plants, and I do weekly water changes even if my nitrates are only between 10-15ppm, because it is best for the fish. Using a syphon during water changes will remove any obvious debris sitting on the top of sand, or in gravel you can remove debris by placing the syphon in the gravel as you clean. Plants are a very good idea (live). Clown loaches are the more sensitive, of the fish you have. Check out the profiles on the fish you have to get more information. Welcome to the site!

Gwen

BarbH

Hello and welcome to TFK

For water changes definitly weekly at least 30%, 40-50% is better. I change about 50% of the water in all of my tanks, helps to keep nitrates down along with removing the crud the water that the filter or live plants are unable to remove.

For feeding you clown loaches a few things that you can do, sinking waffers will work well. Also with your fish flakes you can either presoak some of the flakes so that they will sink to the bottom faster. Or hold some of the flakes below the water line and they will sink to the bottom. Also you can try feeding in two different locations, for your top feeders feed them on one side of the tank, and for the loaches place food on the opposite side, so that hopefully it will make it down to their level before the other fish eat it.

As mentioned you will definitly need a larger tank for your loaches. You can find out more information about Clown Loach in the profiles section, either by clicking on the shaded name or you can find the link to the profiles section at the top of the page second tab from the left.

Byron

Welcome to Tropical Fish Keeping forum. Glad to have you with us.

I agree with what the previous members have suggested.

Byron.

swapnil

Thanks a lot...I bought sinking pellets but I am not sure whether they eat or not..they hide when I come near fish tank...Will let you know as soon as I learn something...Thanks again :)

swapnil

I bought 2 more clown loaches. Now I have 4 clown loaches. 3 out of them were active for first 3-4 days. I felt a lot better. But now they are also hiding under the filter
I am furious at the shy Clown Loach who always hide himself & discourages others also. I see them swimming when I hide & look at tank but when I go near the tank they all hide under the filter. I am totally frustrated as clown loaches are costly & I cant give them back to anyone. My friends are making fun of me

On the other hand I always see my 3 swordtails & 8 tiger barbs active,swimming everywhere. But they are so small

I dont know what to say. I am feeling like kicking all the fish I currently have & buy one Oscar as Oscar never shy. But though I need ur advice if anything I can do for my clown loaches & hope some magic will happen & they will come out without shying.

Byron

One of the most important lessons an aquarist learns is to research any fish before acquiring it. Each species has unique requirements, behaviours, traits. Providing what the fish needs will result in healthier fish, less disease and a normal lifespan. And, it will reward the aquarist with often wonderful relaxation.

Loaches are naturally shy fish. You must ensure they have plenty of hiding spots; they will feel "safe" if they know they have retreats, and ironically, they will be out and about more then. Chunks of bogwood with tunnels in the wood, supported on rocks to provide "caves", etc.

Mine always disappear when I enter the fish room. But spend some time sitting in front of the tank, and out they come, chasing each other, circling, playing tag, hide and seek [can't think how else to describe their antics]. It is indeed wonderful to observe. But you have to sit quietly in front of the tank. My corys behave the same; when I enter the fishroom, not one in sight, but sit in the chair for a minute or two, and out they all come, scampering over the sand.

Byron.

swapnil

Same here :O I think its normal then. But yes I will add caves,pipes & make some hiding places for them. Sorry for my harsh language,I lost my temper in my first post :'( but believe me I love clown loaches so much <3

Byron

Just remember, you will need a larger tank soon. They grow to a foot and need space while they grow or they will be stunted. Check the profile, click on Clown Loach.

swapnil

Yup,I am aware of that. I will be purchasing 4 - 1.5 - 1.5 next August. Right now I saw one of my Clown Loach eating cucumber feeling good