Caligo'sKeeper

I haven't stocked my new tank yet, it's all cycled, but I want to get 2 types of fish-- (glass cats and clown loaches) both like very soft (5-15), acidic water (6.4-7). My water is moderately soft (hardness 75) and pH of 7.6 (tested by strips and 2 different tube kits.) Is it best to try and lower it? or do you think they can acclimate? also, is there something I can use to make the water softer?

alicem

Is this your 30G tank?
Please don't get clown loaches, they get too big and it's just not fair to the clowns.

What are the dimensions of your tank (legnth x width x height)?
There are some other cool loaches that might work if we knew the legnth of your tank.

Your pH is great for alot of fish, don't mess with it, that's too much trouble and tricky to do.

The two types you are interested in are bottom fish, are you wanting upper/mid level swimmers eventually too?
alicem

Tony G.

i agree with alicem on the clown loaches. I have managed to lower pH in my tanks, by adding driftwood and sea shells. When i you acclimate your fish, be sure to do the drop system. you basically add 1-5 drops of your aquarium water to the bag where the fish are. You add them every 5-10 mins. it takes about 1-1 1/2 hr to fully acclimate your fish.

alicem

I'm sorry, I just read that glass catfish are midwater swimmers
and they like to be in groups of at least 4.
My apologies if you already knew that.
I was just concerned about the clown loaches.
alicem