Loaches Instead Of Corys?

[Bebobb]

I was just bored, and decided to do some Googling. In the process of this, I started reading about loaches. There are a few types that I would like to know the compatibility. I am looking into dwarf loaches, and Zebra Loaches. Which one would you reccomend for a 40 gallon breeder stocked with 1 angel, A pair of Bolivian rams, 5 zebra danios?

 

[LongS]

Don't know about dwarfs but i have a zebra loach and 2 golden zebra loaches. They are very busy and active and are always out and about. Stay to the bottom nearly the whole time, and can more than look after themselves. They share the bottom of the tank with a Hillstream loach and a bristlenose plec.

Infact, the zebra loach is best friends with the bristlenose, they share the same cave and always share food. Good little characters as they don't bother any other species, only each other.

 

[Bebobb]

I'm leaning more towards the zebra loach. I like to looks a lot better, too. How many do you think I should have in my 40 gallon with the stocking mentioned above?

 

[LongS]

I'm not too sure, how many do you fancy? I have one zebra loach and the 2 golden zebra loaches are a little smaller. Have had him a while now and he seems happy and lively so i don't think it is desperatly important to keep them in large shoals.

However, if i come across them again i will most definetly buy a couple more of them. They are very attractive looking fish when cared for properly.

 

[Bebobb]

I don't really want a big school of them, because they are kind of large if you ask me. I am thinking maybe five. Would this be adequeate?

 

[LongS]

I think you should be fine with a big tank like that, just provide plenty of little hiding places as they like to bicker amongst themselves. And again they are peaceful towards my other bottom dwellers.

If you feel they are too big, maybe try the smaller relative? Golden Zebras

These are the two slightly smaller guys that he shares the tank with. These are also very much more active and not afraid of me whatsoever. Sometimes the zebra will dart off and hide if he sees you, where as these cheeky guys don't give a #40##.

 

[onebto]

Agree 5 will be okay, You will not regret this they are one of the liveliest fish you will ever see greedy as well they will eat almost anything, Longs is write make sure there are plenty of caves for them as well as a varying diet.

Regards onebto.

 

[Bebobb]

Will gravel work instead of sand for their barbels?

 

[LongS]

Yes very fine gravel will be fine, i have very small black gravel and there is no problems, it is easy enough for them to sift through and look for food.

I feed mine peas and the odd slice of cucumber to vary their diet. But they will eat almost anything. Especially snails, i had a massive snail problem, and two days later it cleared the whole lot.