Are All Loaches Bad For Planted Tanks?

[Rlon35]

Some sources of information suggest that Striped Loaches, which are relatively small, will not damage plants at all. I still think they may dig up stems or punch holes in my anubias. I presently have two Clown Loaches that must be removed from my 55g planted tank, and I am going to miss the color they add to the tank. I love loaches, so I was wondering if keeping a pair of Striata would be a good idea, but there is come conflicting plant-based info on them. Opinions?

Also, if I get rid of the clown loaches soon, I plan on adding Rams and Cardinals, eventually. What is the best way to gradually soften the water so that it will not harm existing plant or fish species? I have a Fluval 305, and I can keep some peat as media. I have no idea how much at first, however...how much to start with and how much calcium to add to keep my snails healthy, after it softens.

 

[aaronnorth]

Use RO water, for example add 10%more RO every 2 weeks until you get to the desired level etc.

cant help anymore on levels etc i'm afraid

 

[plantbrain]

I am a loach lover as well, I keep B striata and they do not harm to any plants. I also keep B sidmunkthi. Both are very suitable for planted tanks and make good work on snails!
Unlike clowns, they are much more active during the day and are some of the smallest species, a full grown clown is just way too big for most aquariums.

I keep cards and other apistos with the Botia, as well as Amano shrimp.
I have Amano and CRS shrimp in the B sidmunkthi tank as well as Galaxy danios.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[Davo86]

I am a loach lover as well, I keep B striata and they do not harm to any plants. I also keep B sidmunkthi. Both are very suitable for planted tanks and make good work on snails!
Unlike clowns, they are much more active during the day and are some of the smallest species, a full grown clown is just way too big for most aquariums.

Agreed
I'd go for a small shoal of say 6 Botia sidthimunki. They will only reach about 2inches in length and so will not uproot plants as they dart around the tank

 

[Rlon35]

I am a loach lover as well, I keep B striata and they do not harm to any plants. I also keep B sidmunkthi. Both are very suitable for planted tanks and make good work on snails!
Unlike clowns, they are much more active during the day and are some of the smallest species, a full grown clown is just way too big for most aquariums.

I keep cards and other apistos with the Botia, as well as Amano shrimp.
I have Amano and CRS shrimp in the B sidmunkthi tank as well as Galaxy danios.

Regards,
Tom Barr

Hey, thanks. That sounds like a nice tank you have. Apistos, in addition to Rams, Cards, and Amano Shrimp, are species I have thought of keeping. Getting rid of the Clowns will create enough space and spare my plants. Again, thanks for the feedback.