marissanz

Desperately want to add 2 loaches to my tank but am being very careful as I know how sensitive they are and want happy fish!

Have had the tank set up for just on a month - we used the 'rotting prawn' method to get the tank cycling without fish (absolutely no-where you can get ammonia in Aussie - banned substance!) and it proceeded really well. Had the Ammonia spike at end of first week and then nitrite. Added 2 tiger barbs second weekend and then another 3 last weekend. Readings have been a steady:
Ammonia = 0
Nitrite = 0
nitrate = 10
for since last friday (testing every day). If it stays steady for the rest of the week do you think I would be safe adding 2x loaches at the weekend They will pretty much finish the stocking of the tank (thinking about 2 more golden barbs...mmmm).
Also pH is 7.5, water hardness is 4 and temp 26. Tank also has 4 plants.

Can't wait to add those cute fellows!! The barbs seem so happy playing so I think its ok? Its going to be a long weekend here so I can watch them loads!! haha
Thanks for advise!!

Bad Wolf

how big is the tank? what fish are in there already? you really should never have less than 6 tiger barbs in a tank as they are a must school fish. they will be timid or jumpy without enough friends.

what type of loach were you planning on? there are many types of loaches and most of them need a large tank. i can give some more information once my 3 questions are answered. i'll get back to you.

ABCDemily

If you're planning on clown loaches, they can get up to 12" long, so dependant on what tank you have, then I'd advise against it.
Like Bad Wolf said, most do need large tanks. They also need a small smooth substrate otherwise they can damage themselves.

Once we know all these we can tell you.

And plus, generally they need an established, not just cycled tank. This means up and running for a very long time, so that no fluctuations can harm them.