Thanks corvuscorax, I appreciate your input
(I don't think it rude at all)
It's the trouble I have had before joining this great forum and unfortunately I was none the wiser when I got the loach. I get pretty frustrated when all the LFS here are more interested in selling fish than making sure they go to the correct home.
Having explained to the LFS guy which fish I wanted and which order I should introduce them to the tank he contradicted the info I had. He knew what size tank I had & advised that a clown loach would go perfectly. I hadn't really known about these fish before then (only heard the name). I got it only on LFS advice.
I love my fish, they make me very happy. And I love the clown loach, such wonderfully beautiful fish to have. The cardinals are great too
After reading the posts above yours, I added the driftwood and the tank looks excellent. So natural and the inhabitants are loving it too. Their colours seem to be brighter (and I think they're all smiling
)
The aquarium I bought the fish from is quite a long way away so taking the loach back may be more stressful than keeping him. I think that if I look after the guy's I have and not add anymore to the tank except some java moss & java fern the community should do just fine.
It is an unfortunate situation I am in and my naivety got me here. I really do appreciate all the feedback I have received and will be asking before I buy in the future.
btw...LFS/aquarium owners/staff should be more responsible in what they sell people. From what I have learnt now I don't think that a few simple question about tank size, water quality, type of fish in tank etc. could go astray. Even a policy of checking a sample of tank water before the customer can buy wouldn't be too much trouble. But then maybe they would not sell enough "replacement" fish. (MHO of my LFS)
Thanks again for the info
Louise