Clown loaches

[Brinny-chan]

Heya everyone!

My boyfriend is yet again wondering about new fish for his tanks. He's taken a sudden interest in clown loaches and since I like to get information from here (most sites seem to exaggerate or under-exaggerate minimum tank sizes and such)...

What is the minimum tank size for a clown loach?
Do they have to be kept in groups?
Can they go with GBRs (he's interested in those too)?

Thanks!

 

[IDunnoWhy]

Heya everyone!
What is the minimum tank size for a clown loach?

Well our profiles section says minimum 29g, However I'd say nothing smaller than a 55g. These guys can get fairly large, Up to a foot, although I've never seen one that large.

Do they have to be kept in groups?

Well I would say no (I've seen large singles in aquariums before), but really, as with most loaches, you should have 3-4 or more.

Can they go with GBRs (he's interested in those too)?

Not sure here, Clowns IME aren't aggressive, but they will eat the eggs (If you've got a breeding pair). Not sure how the GBR temperament will be towards the Clowns though.

 

[Lotus]

I wouldn't put clowns in less than a 55g either. They're miserable on their own, you really need at least three for them to be even remotely happy.

I think they'll be OK with rams, but I wouldn't call it an ideal mix, just because of the personality differences.

 

[Brinny-chan]

Alrighty guys, thanks for the help. Sounds like I have to convince him not to get them ^_^

 

[Pure]

He can get 3 small ones but MUST upgrade eventualy, clowns are slow growers and can be in a tank that size for some time.

If kept singly they are miserable and can even turn mean and lash out at other fish.