Cichlids and Clown Loaches?

[azfishgal]

Would Cichlids and Clown Loaches do ok together? I have two clown loaches, just under 2" in length at this point, but hoping I can move them to a 50 gallon tank and be ok. Can I add Cichlids with them? And if so, which ones would be good?

 

[Pure]

I'm guessing that you are thinking about African Cichlids? No they would not make a good tank mate for CLs, Some of the larger less aggressive CA species like severums and Oscars would do OK.

 

[Cichlid-Man]

I'm guessing that you are thinking about African Cichlids? No they would not make a good tank mate for CLs, Some of the larger less aggressive CA species like severums and Oscars would do OK.

Is that an abreviation for Cichlids? CLs? lol never seen that before.

I've seen them with Africans before. They just need to be a large size.

 

[Pure]

Clown Loaches = CLs

Even when they are large, I still wouldn't put them in with any of the more aggressive Africans. CLs are pretty timid fish. Other Loaches will work tho.

 

[azfishgal]

Thanks for your reply. I think I'm going to give up my loaches though, as they seem to need a much heavier current than Cichlids or other fish I want can handle. Plus, I'm learning from another Clown Loach forum that they really aren't compatible with Cichlids in the long run, especially Oscars which I was thinking of getting. I'm planning on getting a 125 gallon tank, but I don't have it yet, so I still have time to see what I want. Right now I have a 12 gallon tank with four Harlequins, four Zebra Danios, One Blue Gourami, one 1" Rubber Lip Pleco, and of course my two small clown loaches (which I am taking back to the lfs).

 

[Pure]

Do tell us why they say they are not good tank mates for Oscars?

 

[Cichlid-Man]

Clown Loaches = CLs

Even when they are large, I still wouldn't put them in with any of the more aggressive Africans. CLs are pretty timid fish. Other Loaches will work tho.

Oh i wouldn't either from a personal standpoint....just seen it done and know it is possible. I wouldn't put any loach but a clown with Africans.

 

[azfishgal]

Do tell us why they say they are not good tank mates for Oscars?

This is the reason I was given:

"People do keep Oscars with Clown Loaches. The problem is, if you buy small Clowns and small Oscars, the Oscars are going to rapidly outgrow the Loaches and become a physical threat to them."

This person also said:

"You can keep Clowns with Dwarf Cichlids. Certainly Microgeophagus ramirezi would fit in. The problem then comes from the fact that Clowns need loads of current in their tank that most cichlids will be uncomfortable with. "

This person seemed to be pretty experienced and knowledgeable.

 

[Fuzz16]

that is according to that person. what about other peoples experiances? there are some cichlids that dont mind the heavy water flow. discus, angels, rams, kribs, and i highly doubt oscars would mind it as long as they had a still area to retreat to.