Minimum number of kuhli loaches?

Hi All, just wondering from your experience what the minimum number of kuhli loaches to keep should be? I would like them to be comfortable enough to come out of hiding and be happy in their group. I'd like to only get 3 ideally since I've only got a 23 gallon tank and it's nearly at capacity, but I've heard that may not be enough. Thanks!

 

Three generally isn't enough, something around ~6 is a more desirable number. But the more you have, the more naturally they'll act generally.

 

Thanks Cracker, yes i did hear 6 was a good number. Do you think i could keep 6 happily in a 23 gallon tank? Currently have 10 cardinal tetras, a pair of guppies and Bolívan rams and a thick lip gourami. I don't want to give them away if they out grow my tank.

 

Thanks Cracker, yes i did hear 6 was a good number. Do you think i could keep 6 happily in a 23 gallon tank? Currently have 10 cardinal tetras, a pair of guppies and Bolívan rams and a thick lip gourami. I don't want to give them away if they out grow my tank.

It would be pushing it, but since you have no true bottom dwellers I don't think it would be a major issue if you do frequent >50% water changes. Make sure you have a sand substrate and good filtration too.

 

Thanks, I think I'll give it a miss then as I don't think I can commit to more than 25% WC a week and i have a gravel substrate.

 

6 would be fine with your other stocking. They are low bioload and very passive. Just keep the water clean. I have 12 in my 29 with 7 sterbai for the past 2 years. They rarely come out but when the tank sprung a leak and i had to remove all the fishes they were all healthy. The ones i have in my other 29 rarely hide and i'm not sure why but it might be because that aquarium has black substrate though i suspect that is not the reason.