Kuhli Loaches

[Kazman]

Hi,

Been thinking about Kuhlis recently. I know they prefer to be kept in groups of 6ish as their very withdrawn on their own, but does anyone know what size tank 6 could be kept in?.

Thanks

 

[ferrikins]

being that they get to about 4 inch's each, so going by the inch per gal rule, you would need 24g for 6.

I think, unless I've calculated that wrong.

 

[boxman]

I would say a 15gal minimum and a fine in a community tank.

They can grow 4-5" and from my experience they prefer light substrate to bury themselves in (which is hilarious to watch!!)

Obviously as they're small fish you can be a bit flexable on the gal/inch rule but ferrikins has the right idea.

Mine used to love weaving themselves through java moss!

Pitty I can't have them now, my BGK's would eat them like spagetti

 

[ferrikins]

to be honest boxman I don't beleave in the inch per gallon rule, but it a good thing for newbie's.

I currently have 4 in my 12g, but I never suggest anyone look at my stocking, and follow my lead

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

a 15gal should be fine for them, they need their diet substitued with extra foods though- mine love catfish pelets and algae wafers

 

[Kazman]

Thanks, I'll keep my eyes open for some, they don't get them in any of our LFS's that regularly. Do they mix ok with other bottom feeders like Corys?.

 

[boxman]

Yea, definately a good rule to follow at first! (Don't look at my stocking level either!!!)

I had one in an 18x10x10" and it grew to about 4". Definately avoid putting them with tankmates like BGK's as they won't be around for long!!!!

 

[dwarfgourami]

Oooh, I used to keep those, they are gorgeous little chaps! And not great waste producers as far as I remember so you could probably get away with stretching the 1 inch rule, given their slender body shape.

 

[abstract]

i have 4 juvies in my 10 gallon planted with some gups and panda cories....they are very slender and produce very, very little waste.....as they become thicker, though, i may move them to my 46 gallon if i see the amount of waste increase....

i think the recommendation of at least a 15 gallon is spot on

 

[Kazman]

I've heard they'll eat fry, have you had a problem with this and your Guppies?.

 

[ferrikins]

I've heard they'll eat fry, have you had a problem with this and your Guppies?.

well I had one in my fry tank, for about a year, and I had loads of litters where all the fry have suvived. So personaly I had no problems.

 

[abstract]

no problems with them eating the fry...yet...for the most part the fry stay near the mid/top portions...the khulis are well fed and generally hide during the day at least...at night they can be seen swimming around like maniacs, but i don't think are good enough to catch the fry

 

[Bloo]

They are gorgeous little chaps and do great in a community tank.

 

[LoachLover]

I would say a 15 gallon would be fine. Remember the one inch per gallon rule doesn't apply with Kuhli loaches.

 

[specks]

I have got both kuhli loaches & panda corys, they get on with each other just fine. I couldnt imagine having a tank without them. Mind you I was almost one short the other day when he went up the gravel vac, it happened so quickly I couldn't switch it off before he got sucked up. Pleased to say he is still alive & kicking.