loach lovers

[LAGlocker]

I am thinking of adding a few loaches to my tanks, have it down to either clown loaches or dojo loaches. I will be putting them in a tank with Gouramies, redtailed black sharks, and tiger barbs to start with. I knwo if I get the clown loaches they will in time go into one of my larger tanks. The only questions I have is, will either or both of these get along with the fish I am putting them in with, and also will the dojo, or weather loach, eat snails. Any info will be appreicated

 

[Dino]

Mainly it is the botia family of loaches that are the snail eaters, such as the clown and yoyo loaches. Dojo's are more of a insect/decaying veggie matter consumer.
None of the fish listed should have any problems being housed together.

best,
dino

 

[puffergirl]

I'd go with the clown loaches!!!!! They are so comical, they will really liven up your tank!!! You will need to get at least 3 though as they feel safer in groups. I have found that my clowns have buddied up with my tiger barbs since they are about the same size now and same markings. Its quite neat!

 

[grimlock3000]

How big is the tank?

 

[LAGlocker]

which tank? I have one 20 gal that I want to put them in to start with, also have a few 55s set up and one 75 and a 135 that is currently running, not counting the 10s and couple of 5 gals that I have. I want to get one more larger one, 200 or larger, but that is going to wait. I will move them into the 75 or 135 eventually.

 

[grimlock3000]

Go for the Clown then, they are fun fish and you have plenty of room for when they get huge

 

[Bigdan]

Go with the Clowns. They are great snail eaters and hilarious fish to have. Plus the fact they are probably the most readily available loach out there.

 

[Fruitbat]

One more vote for the Clown Loaches if you have your heart set on one of the two you mentioned.

 

[Thaiboxer]

I know it's not my thread... but y'all just convinced me to get a school of Clowns for my 125 gallon, too...

 

[ferret]

I love both, so. Hrms... The dojo loaches are actually the larger of the two, length-wise. If I was you, and I isn't.. and my plan was to put them in a larger tank, say 90+ gallons.. I'd get 3-5 clown loaches, and 1-2 dojo loaches

I can't find any dojo loaches right now! Petsmart dropped them from their stock rotation last month I NEED ONE!!!

 

[nemokeeper]

Clown loaches are great..But be ready for the ICH :x They are ich magnets, but I still love mine. The orange and black really show up well in the tank.

 

[TheNewGuy]

You should try running FW aquarium salt if you are having problems with ich. I have 2 cloen loaches in my larger tank and have never delt with ich.

 

[ferret]

I don't run with any salt or additives, and have never managed to get ick. I run 80-82 degrees all the time though ;p

I have a few fishies that don't like salt anyways. Cories apparently hate it.

 

[Thaiboxer]

I've heard that salt is very hard on Clown Loaches as well, because they're scale-less fish. That's the main reason I haven't gotten any yet - I've been told numerous times that running a tank with salt will shorten the lives of loaches significantly. I've been running salt in my 55 forever, but added none to my 125.

I wasn't aware that they catch ich so easily? I'll have to QT them in my small tank...

 

[ferret]

I believe the ich susceptibility is also related to them being scale-less.

 

[krap101]

strike strike!!! lol (this was to petsmart dropping the dojo loaches i think)