Weather Loach Digging Up Plants

[ScalpCrabs]

Name says it all.
My 30 gallon has river rocks at the bottom with plants in it. Every morning I check on them before going to work and notice plants are floating at the top. I know its the weather loach because he liked to dig around in the rocks and sleep under them.
Any one else have issues like that?

 

[fluttermoth]

It's a common problem with all digging fish; catfish, loaches and cichlids are some of the worst!
 
You could try; weighing them down with some larger rocks your loach can't get under; planting them in pots filled with larger pebbles, or using plants like anubias, Java fern or bolbtis, that can be attached to rocks or wood, and so can't be dug up.

 

[Byron]

I agree with fluttermoth's suggestions, but in this case they are not likely to work.  This fish attains 9-10 inches and frequently 12 inches, and needs to bury itself.  Plants are unlikely to remain for long, and it will also dig under rocks so be careful not to have these such that they could crack the bottom glass if they are dislodged.
 
You may already realize it, but, as this is a forum for learning...this fish should have at least three as it is highly social, plus at its normal size it needs at least a 4-foot aquarium.  Also cooler water.
 
Byron.