Sheilamo

I was given two clown loaches by someone I barely knew when she moved. Okay, she dumped them on me. She'd supposedly had them for several years. Initially, I had a hard time keeping the tank clean, so I went to the pet store to get info. I was never told that the 10 gallon tank I was given wasn't large enough. I invested in a pH/ammonia monitor and a better filter. The filter did help quite a bit.

Both fish were about two inches long when I got them. One, more than doubled in size in the year I've had him. The other didn't grow much at all. Big Fish never bullied Little Fish. Little Fish died this week. He seemed lethargic that morning and when I came home from work, he was dead. Big Fish is in mourning. I don't think he ate anything for the first two days, but is eating now. (Mostly, he eats sinking wafers. There are plants in the tank that he occassionally nibbles at. I previously tried offering little shrimp to both fish, but they never ate them.)

Even though I didn't really want the fish in the first place, I wanted to take good care of them. And, I thought I was, but I see now that I wasn't providing them with enough space or fish friends. I trusted what I was told by the previous owner and the 'fish expert' at the pet store. I regret that I didn't do my own research in the beginning. I've grown very fond of the loaches and want BF to be a happy fish. My sister offered to take him and put him in a 20 gallon tank with her two similar sized goldfish. Obviously that won't work.

I am not prepared to run out and buy a large tank. Due to medical bills, I am over $60K in debt and climbing. (That's with health insurance!) It's a struggle just to feed my family right now. Any advice for me? I want to do right by Big Fish. It seems cruel to keep him alone in a ten gallon tank. Even if I get him a buddy or two, they're still stuck in an aquarium that's too small. If there is someone in Northern Virginia, DC, or Maryland,(or reasonably nearby) who has an appropriate set-up for a clown loach, I'd be happy to give him away. If I can't find someone to take him, what can I do to make him happy?

Sorry this is so long. Just trying to be thorough. Please reply with any advice. Thanks so much! **Sheila

AlyeskaGirl

Sorry you lost one!

You can't keep him in that small tank.......my advice is to take him to a pet store if you can't find a new home for him. Good luck!

dvc_r

Quick and easy solution: Go to a local fish store (not a Chain store). They usually will take them off your hand and resell it, but they will usually give you store credit. If the clown loach is a few years old, he should be at least 3+ inches by now. The store will probably give you about $15 store credit and then sell it for about $30.

Sheilamo

Thanks for the info. I don't care about money or store credit. I just want to find him a good home. I'm willing to drive him pretty far to his new home if I can find one.

I did find a fish specialty store not too far from my home, but like most pet stores, they keep a lot of fish in small tanks. I will consider taking Big Fish there if I can't find him a home.

I wish I had the resources to provide him with a large aquarium and some schoolmates. He has so much personality!

Thanks again! And if anyone wants a free clown loach and has an appropriate set up, let me know. **Sheila

dvc_r

When you take that big step, that's when it all begins... TMT syndrome! (too many tanks).

I have three beautiful clown loaches. you can see them in my profile. I've watched them grow for 2 years. I know exactly what you mean, I wish I could take him from you. (he would love sunny florida)!

Sheilamo

dvc_r: I looked at some photos of your beautiful aquarium and fish. If it were an option, I'd hop in the car right now and drive Big Fish to Florida. Do you know anyone (perhaps through this forum) in the Mid-Atlantic with a nice set up who'd like another clown loach?**Sheila

AlyeskaGirl

Well, you can have loaches again......just have to find a used tank in the future large enough to keep 3...it doesn't have to be a brand new tank. Some used tanks come with almost everything for a good price. I"d just get new fine gravel or sand for the substrate.

Good luck on finding him a new home!

dvc_r

Thanks Sheila, but I'm sorry to say I can't help you.
Good Luck
jim

thecolumbianshark

You could go on cragilist.com. They sell used tanks for low prices. I hope he gets a good home!

Fish Addict

Oh no, It seems like there is a mis-diagnosis! It is actually a severe disease called MTS, short for Multiple Tank Syndrome, which affects hundreds yearly, and it is growing. Symptoms include wanting more tanks, dreaming about tanks, fish, etc., and such. While there are temporary cures like buying new tanks, it is currently incurable. I am sorry to inform you of this unfortunate news.

Sheilamo

Thank you everyone for your comments and suggestions. I found Big Fish a new home. **Sheila

Butterfly

Takes a really big person to think of what their fish need before they think of what they want. Good for you!(sorry you had to though)
Carol