Kuhli Loach - Opinion!

HI all. I've got an 87 litre tank cycling at the moment and when it (eventually) gets there i'd like it to be a south-east asian blackwater biotope. I've got some nice Asian plants in there (Java fern etc) and a very fine gravel/sand substrate [see pics]. Once stocked I will have: harlequin rasbora, golden gourami and (maybe) kuhlI loach.
I had my heart set on kuhlI loach and would still like to keep them, however, I'm wondering whether they will be visible enough to not just look like I have a few harlequin rasboras and nothing else. What are other people's experience of kuhlis? Are they worth keeping or should I opt for another fish?

 

They are dedicated hiders, I'll say that. The best thing for it is to keep a high enough number of them, because they're a shoaling fish. It does sound like you have multiple in mind, which is good. When their shoal is big enough, they'll feel more safe exploring the tank one or two at a time, occasionally throughout the day and then a lot more at night. They'll also want lots of small hiding places to dart between all throughout the tank--when they see they have somewhere to go next, they build up more confidence to make the trip at all. I love the little guys and I definitely think they're worth it, even if they are shy!

 

Thanks. How many of them do you keep? I'm getting a bit more wood in the tank which should give them plenty of hiding space. I've been warned about them getting inside filters too, ever had that issue?

 

I've never had an issue with my kuhlis getting into filters. They are one of my favorite fish to keep. How long is your tank?

 

That's good as it was a concern. It's 30" length, and 11" deep

 

I'd say you can keep at least 10 in a 30 inch tank. Possibly more. I kept 10 in my 20 long and it has a similar footprint.

What kind of filter were you planning on keeping? If the kuhlis are very small then you may want to put a sponge on the in take.

 

Yeah I was thinking around 10, then they should feel comfort from each other. I've got a Fluval U2 [Fluval U2 internal filter review] which (as far as I can see) has sponges in the way of any intakes

 

yep. if not it should be ok to put some sponges on it.

 

My son has a small group of kuhlis and they are out all the time. His tank is a bit overcrowded with plants and decor, I think that helps. They know there is a hiding spot within 2" of anywhere they may be in the tank!

I'd suggest adding some crypts, they grow into nice thick clumps which the kuhlis will enjoy.