Saxobone

Ok, so in my 16 gal I've been keeping tetras and barbs. The log at the bottom is the perfect territory for a Red Tail and I love these loners. So I added one - the only experience I've had in the past was a small one who was bossed around by my angelfish.

This one is decent sized and all started off fine. But now, ALL DAY, he is chasing any fish that he sees near the bottom at astonishing speed. I have NEVER seen any species chase a fish this fast behind by a distance of a few centimeters for 3 second chases that seem like hours.

I'm not sure what to do so I'm going to try surrounding the log with gravel so there are specific entrances so he can live under there and the other fish have to intentionally go into his domain, in which case they deserve what's coming lol.

Any feedback?

Shawnie

its totally normal behavior for these guys..they are super territorial and 16 gals isnt enough space for them to have a safety net where they will leave others alone id either return him or search for a bigger tank on craigslist asap before he kills another fish ...

Saxobone

What about trying introducing him into my 55 gal. The clown loaches allready live in the prime real estate though, the log...

Theres a lot going on in that one.
Look at my signature and tell me what u think of this idea.

Shawnie

unfortunately, clown loaches can get up to 12in and I dont think you have room for another bottom dweller with the 3 loaches but ive never kept them so maybe some other members might have better advice ...

harpua2002

With clown loaches and an iridescent shark in a 55 gallon, it's going to be REALLY crowded in there when they start to grow large.
http://www.fishlore.com/profile-iridescentshark.htm

The rainbow shark is not suitable for a 16 gallon, but there won't be room in the 55 for long. It's so important to research before purchasing.

Shawnie

I didnt see an iridescent shark in his siggy...am I having another brunette moment?

EDIT:Saxobone is your siggy correct or your aquarium info...? found the ID shark

Lucy

Hi cory welcome to Fish Lore

There's no IS in your sig, but there is in your aquarium info...which one is correct? Please edit which ever is not.
It's important for the members to give the most accurate info they can.


Confusing huh? Took me a while too. lol

Nice catch harpua

Saxobone

The Red Tail is doing ok in the 16 he seems fine.
The iridescent shark I am working on donating him to my local aquarium.
But the clown loaches...I have had them a long time and they arent growing fast.

But in honesty, do u guys really stay away from these fish because of this? Are they one of those fish that u shouldnt get? How big a tank is needed.

The iridescent shark, i realized soon after buying him that no one really should try to house one.

gmen4life

keep the shark get a bigger tank

Lucy

A 300g tank.
Iridescent shark

Saxobone

No, I know I need to give up the Shark, I was talking about the clown loaches.

Alessa

If I were keeping more than one loach i would do a 75 gal at least.

It is not only that they are big in size... they are also plump. That adds to their total bioload.

Saxobone

Interesting I'm starting to understand.
Unfortunately this morning i just found ICH on them!!

I am so upset.
Originally I bought the 5 gal for hospital tank but now its occupied and has sand and stuff.

I might go buy another heater today and maybe a 5 gal or just use my big bucket to treat my guys.

What do you think

Annadvn

Clown loaches should be housed in a 6ft minimum tank (doesn't matter if you have 1 or 5) they are very active swimmers. They generally grow fast for the first year you have them, upto about 6" then their growth will slow down. They can grow upto 16" in the wild and in the aquarium when they have good living conditions.

Here is a good article about them with pictures of how big they can get to:

http://www.loaches.com/species-index...a-macracanthus

If you say yours have not grown much the chances are they are already being stunted from having too small a tank! Their internal organs will continue to grow but the overall size of them will not, this causes suffering of these fish before they eventually die (this is the same for any fish kept in a tank too small for their needs).

I would advise to return the clown loaches to the LFS or get a bigger tank ASAP.

On the note about the RTS, i keep a RTS with my CLown loaches and he will chase them as they have a similar body shape and a red tail (RTS are more territorial with fish that look like them) if you have more than 1 clown loach the aggression will be shared amongst them. My RTS has learnt that the clowns are no threat and will now school with them and share caves with them.

Anna

EDIT: if they have ick they are already showing signs of stress from being in a tank too small for them. I would increase the water temperature to 83F for 2 weeks and add a air stone to increase the amount of oxygen in the water (increased temperature will speed up the circle of life for the ick so it dies faster, and the air stone is because warmer water holds less oxygen). Make small daily water changes of about 10% whilst vacuuming the substrate. Vacuuming the substrate will remove the cysts that fall of the fish and prevent the circle of the life cycle of ich. No need to stress them further with putting them into a quarantine tank, this method i said will treat the whole tank and help prevent the other fish from getting ick as well.
Good luck with them

Redtail97

i love clown loaches but i know my tank is two small to get one becuase i have a 20gall tank with just my red tail in it now i had 3 blackwidow tetras and a bn pleco(baby) but i woud have rather had my shark so i returned all other fish and now she is as happy as can be so my advise to you choose your favourite out of your clown loach or getting another tank its a bg decision considering you already have so many tanks but ts upto you?

i wish you luck with whatever you do and hope all your fish live happily

Saxobone

are you saying you suggest keeping one clown loach?

Alessa

Loaches are supposed to be in groups though.

Saxobone

ya, especially now that they've established a heirarchy and everythiong allready.
I'm at least gonna keep them until they are healthy again, then I'll start thinking about the future.

Saxobone

By the way, Anna, thank you for all the incite that was an excellent post.
And the information about the stunned growth with the organs still growing causing suffering, very helpful. This information I had never heard and it gives me much more awareness and empathy. THANKS!

Annadvn

Your welcome,

I my favourite fish are clown loaches and i have a huge tank suited to their requirements. In the near future i will be making my own 400-500g tank for them recreating a river.

The stunted growth goes for all fish that are kept in a tank too small for them.

Anna