Black Kuhli Loaches not eating algae wafers?

[Silverleaf209]

This morning I put some carnivore pellets and a few algae wafers in the three loaches quarantine tank, I came back a while later later and they ate all of the carnivore pellets but not any of the algae wafers, is something wrong? Do they not like the wafers? Do they prefer the meat ones instead of the veggie ones? Sorry for all of the questions, any extra info about these loaches would also be greatly appreciated!

 

[yeti79]

Kuhlis prefer the meatier stuff over algae wafers. Check out my video of them eating a shrimp wafer.

I would usually drop in a nickel sized wafer once a week. They make an excellent clean up crew for any food that falls to the bottom. They do better in larger groups and are pretty low on their bioload. I would add as many as you think your tank could handle. They prefer having lots of cover available to feel secure, being from plants, botanicals or decor, and constant glass surfing is usually a sign of an uncomfortable loach. Avoid any sharp substrate or decorations due to their burrowing habits. Most people would recommend sand but larger rounded gravel is my choice and works great too. Cover your aquarium as they will jump out.

 

[Silverleaf209]

Thanks! My main concern with increasing the group is that they would hunt all of my shrimp and my rabbit snail. I also don't want them to compete with the corys to much, I might increase the group later if everything works out, I do have a layer of sand over my gravel, I am wondering what kind of leaf litter would work best?

 

[yeti79]

Thanks! My main concern with increasing the group is that they would hunt all of my shrimp and my rabbit snail. I also don't want them to compete with the corys to much, I might increase the group later if everything works out, I do have a layer of sand over my gravel, I am wondering what kind of leaf litter would work best?

I've never had any issues with kuhlis and shrimps or snails. Never have kept them together with corys, but from my experience the corys would probably outcompete the kuhlis if anything. A pellet mix would probably be a better choice than wafers in that case. It's not leaf litter but my kuhlis love to wiggle into and through chollo wood.

 

[Silverleaf209]

I've never had any issues with kuhlis and shrimps or snails. Never have kept them together with corys, but from my experience the corys would probably outcompete the kuhlis if anything. A pellet mix would probably be a better choice than wafers in that case. It's not leaf litter but my kuhlis love to wiggle into and through chollo wood.

I heard of someone keeping them with a pleco, would that sort of be like keeping them with corys? I only have one piece of chollo wood, should I get more pieces, I do have lots of open ended pieces of wood in the tank, what kind of pellet mix do you recommend?

 

[yeti79]

I use the food linked in the previous post. Had a lot of chollo wood in my tank but I really like the look of it.

Liked that the kuhlis can hide in chollo and still be somewhat seen. The important part is them having places to hide so they are comfortable enough to come out and show themselves. Cannot give good info on keeping them with a pleco.

 

[Silverleaf209]

Cool thank you! I will definitely look into getting more hiding places, I will check out the food once it comes back in stock! Thanks!