Shaquara

There's so much information, I'm having trouble keeping it all in my head. I'm sure it'll go a lot easier as soon as I actually get a tank and put into practice all the things I'm learning. I've never owned or operated anything tank related and I'm not sure why I'm finding myself so fascinated with fish. I love cats and would settle for anything furry. Fish are not exactly cuddly. Yet somehow I'm finding I'm so completely enthralled with the idea of owning fish. So I've been doing research and for some reason clown loaches have caught my attention. After I did a little research, I was only going to do a 20 gal with one type of fish. I went from guppies to Gouramis and then read how much fun Danios were to watch and how lively they were. Then clowns caught my attention and wouldn't you know it, they go along great with the nearly invincible Danios. Then, of course, I'm going to want some algae eaters and I heard absolutely wonderful things about SAEs. When I first was thinkng about getting a single little fish and putting it maybe in a 5 gal, this is not the way I thought this would go.

My husband is a little impulsive and bought me some plants while we still can't afford a tank. I have a 14 gal plastic tub that's half full of water and sitting in another tub because it's leaky with three plants, only two of which are expected to survive. That's where I stand now. My next step is going to be getting a 55 gal and give my plants a nice home and cycle it. I'm also going to be getting a 20 gal QT. I'll probably put in six danios and one true SAE (if I can find one) and practice keeping the tank in really good condition so when I get some clown loaches, they'll be happy and healthy. I fully intend to get in the habit of at least 25% water changes once a week. One question here. I'm probably going to end up with six danios, two SAEs, and four clown loaches in a 55 gal long. As long as they're babies, this set up would be okay for a while, right? But eventually am I going to want a bigger tank? How long might this set up last comfortably for the fish? And how big of a tank do you think I should upgrade to? If I can't find the SAEs, how would adding some Otos work out? I heard Otos are schooling fish and would do great if there were about six.

That's my plan so far. I completely plan on the tank set up being based around the clown loaches. I haven't got anything other than the poor plants and in a really bad set up and yes I do plan on filters and heaters and powerheads and all that lovely stuff, but lets just start with the fish atm. The tank seems to be my biggest expenditure and worry and I think once I get the tank and a good stand, everything else will fall into place and be easier with a little lul at cycling time. I'm open to any thoughts, suggestions, or ideas as to how this could work out for me.

Thanks!

Kayin1470

I know that clown loaches can get pretty big, but people have told me I will probably only ever see any at about 6 inches.. I don't know how true this is, but something to think about for sure. The Danios will be fine in your tank.. but I don't know what an SAE is. My personal favorite loach is a tie between the Kuhli loach and the Clown loach. These fish are amazing from what I have heard/read and the pet store in my area has some that I have my eyes set on. but first I need another tank lol. These fish are very entertaining, and even if all you had at first was a 55 gallon with Loaches, that would be a great start. and before you know it, MTS (which it kinda sounds like you already have) will kick in, and you will have all the fish you wanted. lol. unless you go bankrupt first haha.

Shaquara

An SAE is a Siamese Algae Eater.

lol I do feel like I have MTS and I haven't even owned a fish yet! My husband doesn't really want pets and isn't up to taking care of them, but after looking at the fish at the LFS, he even wants a tank.

I've seen that on some sites. It seems to me, though, that as long as you are taking really good care of them and giving them plenty space to swim, they'll reach around 12"; I've seen pictures. I've heard that some fish will only grow as big as their space allows. I'm having a little bit of difficulty figuring out how much space that should be, though, and if it's worth trying to upgrade from a 55 gal or wait a little longer and just save up some more money to go for a 75 or 100 gal for my first tank, providing I have space in the house... Why is the tank only getting bigger the more I think about it?

Alright, the thought of starting off with a 55 gal was very nice, but it's spinning wildly out of control. I'm just going to start with the 20 gal with Danios and use it for my quarantine after I upgrade... lol that should stave off the madness for a little while... I hope...