Marisseas

I absolutely love loaches and want to collect them in species tanks. However, I currently only have a 125 gallon with 2 dojos and 4 clown loaches that live with 2 angelfish, 1 common pleco, 1 clown pleco, 2 red tail sharks, 1 rainbow shark, 2 red nose tetras, a killifish, and a betta. I want to add a vaillentella maasi (fork tail loach), but would I be overcrowding the bottom dwellers? I also plan on getting 8(ish) new angelfish for this tank. I do not want to stress my fish out so have I made the beginner's mistake of overcrowing?

ATKINSON

I personally think that 4 clown loaches, when full grown, will be enough for the bottom dwellers. The pleco will grow massive. Im not sure about overstocking rules but it seems that your stocking list has quiet alot of possible giants...

Marisseas

Yes, I planned on getting rid of the pleco and finding a good home when it got too large. As for the clown loaches, it said to keep them in groups until they were older so I may relocate 2-3 if they turn aggresive later. I'm making excuses right now. I know I shouldn't be buying any more bottom dwellers but I'm just so obsessed with them! D:

ATKINSON

Im not familiar with all your fish but I have had clown loaches and common plecos. I would say that you should definetly get rid off your pleco NOW because they may not look like they are growing but there organs are growing. This is called stunting and can deduct years from your fishs life as well as he could have problems breathing.etc. Clown loaches grow slower but they do get massive so eventually you will need to find them a new home. It is true that they need to be in groups of at least 3 so its a big no no for your tank. If you were to find new homes for the above mentioned fish then I think your stocking plan could work with frequent water changes and gravel vacs.

Butterfly

Since loaches(including the one you are wanting) need to be in groups buying just one would not display it's natural habits. Iknow how you feel though. Loaches are habit forming.
I personally would not add any more fish to that tank Pretty soon it will need a few specimen to be moved to other tanks.
carol

Marisseas

A 125 gallon will be too small for the pleco? I had heard only growth problems occured in smaller tanks...

CHoffman

I think a 125 gallon is fine for the pleco but with all the other bottom dwellers you have it's still a good idea to rehome several of them. Most bottom dwellers are territorial and it looks like with your stocking you could run into some aggression issues. I would rehome the betta or put him/her in another smaller tank. 5 gallons are great for betta's, even a 2.5 gallon would work. Your tank sounds very cool. I think if you fixed a couple of stocking errors your tank will be a great and have harmony.