Stocking Ideas!

[Esfa]

I have a 45gal (39"x15"x16") with sand substrate, a large amazon sword and lots of bogwood. There are just whats left of the stock from years ago.

Current stocking:
1 x dwarf gourami
1 x swordtail
1 x platty
1 x moonlight gourami?
1 x clown loach
1 x tyre track eel
1 x delhezi birchir

So, any ideas? The swordtail, platty and dwarf gourami are very old, so will prolly be gone soon. Yes, I know that the eel and bichir will get too big for the tank. Yes, I know that clown loaches should be kept in groups. Before any of you jump down my throat.

 

[paul_219]

First clown loaches should be at leastt a group of 4. Platies its better to be in groups, so swordtails.

 

[Esfa]

I know that platies and swordtail sneed to be in groups, they were in groups but they have all died now.

 

[afishdude]

clowns need groups of 4-5, your tank is not big enough for any more so i would suggest re-homing it. might want to re-home the platy and swordtail if you cannot get any more.

 

[fry_lover]

i dispute that platies or swordtails "need" or "should" be in groups, if all other variables are ok (tank params, tank mates etc) why do they have to be in groups?

Obviously we dont normally go and buy just ONE of them, but if he only has one of them, i dont see the urgency of putting them in groups

 

[Esfa]

Thanks Fry, they were one both in groups of 6, but that was about three years ago. Im not expecting these to live much longer.

And my dad refuses to re-home the clown

It took me months to persuade him to re-home the two full-grown common plecs and the bala shark we had.

 

[lilfishie]

how big is the clown? generally they tend to slow down growth once they hit 6" so IMO it would be fine for now even if you get a few friends for it

 

[fry_lover]

Thanks Fry, they were one both in groups of 6, but that was about three years ago. Im not expecting these to live much longer.

And my dad refuses to re-home the clown

It took me months to persuade him to re-home the two full-grown common plecs and the bala shark we had.

Regarding the Clowns it be great if you get one more, but obviously your tank size might be an issue depending on other stock

I dont dispute Clown Loaches should be in groups, bit its interesting with statements like "need to be in groups of 3-4"

I was just chuckling to myself, can you imagine this, its a scenario in the tank LOL

There's x2 Clown Loaches

CLOWN LOACH 1 says to CLOWN LOACH 2

"Yo! There is only two of us, did you realise that?"

CLOWN LOACH 2 replies

"oh sh*t, you are right, god-damn, thats a bummer"

CLOWN LOACH 1 responds

"thats made me depressed, i might die, or get a disease"



EDIT: i dont argue the point of Clown Loaches in groups, i just couldnt help but share that little peice of what went through my mind

 

[Esfa]

Haha, I agree.

It's like saying humans need to be in groups to feel happy.

Well I know quite a few people who would rather stay in on their own, and I know some people who hate to be alone.

 

[stang1]

The main reason people suggest keeping Clown Loaches in groups is because they are a sociable fish. Kept singly, they tend to be shy and hide away a lot. In a group, they will be more active and show more of their natural behaviour.

 

[Esfa]

We are getting antoher one anyway. Thats a definate.

I just want some ideas. Maybe a smallish shoaling fish?

I quite like headstanders.

 

[freshwaterfishlover]

Clown Loaches need atleast a group of 3.

MY 45g

3 Clown Loaches
1 Briselnose Pleco
2 Banded Gouramis
2 Angels
6 Black Skirted Tetras (soon)

Going to have 8 Plants on one side of the tank. Other side Empty. Currently only 3 plants.