Zombossified

I haven't bought my fish or equipment yet; I'm still in the planning stages and need some help! I REALLY want some weather loaches because they are awesome.

I've read Weather Loaches do better in unheated tanks and don't like salt...

* Does this eliminate completely the other fish I was considering getting, Black Mollies and Red Wag Platys?
(Also, if I DO get those guys, can I just get all fish of the same gender to prevent a million little babies?)

* If it DOES eliminate the other fish, what are some other good Subtropic fish I can get with a couple loaches?

And for the future...

I'll be moving to a different apartment about three hours away, but that'll be in a year or more from now. I definitely plan on still having fish then.
Can these fish be safely transported?

Thanks!

COBettaCouple

Welcome to Fishlore.

I'm not sure on those loaches, but I'm sure we've got some members who have experience with them.

Evelyn1919

What size tank are you planning to get?

BTW Welcome to Fishlore!!! All these fish experts here give great advice!!!

lilsoccakid

welcome!

cant help with too much, but i can tell u that mollys and platys dont need salt

susitna-flower

HI ZOMBOSSIFIED! WELCOME TO FISHLORE!

Once again a new question comes up which opens up areas I have never explored! Thank you.

This is an interesting question, and the long and short of it seems to be that the "weather loach" is quite adaptable, and can be kept EITHER with other fish that can be kept in the cooler tanks, like gold fish. OR you can keep them with platties, and barbs. The article which described this is at:

http://www.loaches.com/articles/weather-report

For overall care another place you will want to research is:

http://www.loaches.com/species-index...guillicaudatus

Several requirements that seem to stand out in my mind. They should be kept in groups, like other loaches the minimum is 3, and since they grow to 9-10" and are large body type, they require a large tank. A 55 gallon is a good start, but due to the large waste production of these fish, this won't be a big enough tank for long.
They can live in temperatures of 50-77F, and should have sand substrate.

Like most loaches I am sure they will require excellent tank conditions, which means they shouldn't be added to an uncycled tank. On Fishlore, most would suggest you do a fishless cycle to prepare your tank. This method is fully discussed in the following links.

http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm

and

2 Ammonia methods of cycling your fishless tank

Using pure ammonia is the best way, and some people have found this at ACE hardware stores. It is so important to use PURE, with no surfactants or perfumes. If you shake the bottle, and there are bubbles, it is not pure.

Then the other most important thing I can say is invest in an API Master test kit for freshwater (liquid). You will need this to know how your Nitrogen cycle is progressing, and when it is safe to add your fish.

The very best way to enjoy your tank is to do just what you are doing....research first, plan and prepare.....this way you'll have a good experience with your fish. Glad you are here, feel free to ask questions and post often.......