Would 4 Clown Loaches Be Okay?

[twistedlink]

My tank is 48" long, 16" depth, and 18" high, 240Litres, and my substrate ISNT sandy, but it is fine 3mm pebbles

I have read in most good fish index sites that clown loaches can reach 12", but in captivity usually grow only to 6-8"

http/www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/Fishindx/clown.htm


Just wondering if they did grow to the full 12" EACH, would my tank be big enough to house them?

 

[rossyt99]

Do you only have the Loaches in??? May be O.k, depending on other stock.

 

[TwoTankAmin]

They will get that big when properly housed. No that tank will not be big enough eventually. However until they get into the 6 inch size range they shouldl be ok in there. They will adjust to whatever size substrate you like. I use large gravel with mine and they pick up and toss around 1/2 inch+ stones in order to get at morsels below.

 

[Behold]

clowns grow slow but will out grow your tank. they also are very active... 5 ft IMHO is minimum for Clowns.

Also if your planted they will desimate all your leaves...

 

[shelaghfishface]

i have clowns in a sim size tank, and i fully intend to upgrade when they need it, i totally agree with behold about the plants, they are buggers for the roots too, they will dig in to get them,
but they enjoy them so wot the hell

 

[TwoTankAmin]

Plants and clowns can work fine together as long as they are either well rooted such as swords or else attached to wood as in ferns and anubias.

The SAEs are 5-6 inches.