How many kuhli loaches should i get?

Question

Okay so i have a 10 gallon and wanted to get 4 kuhli loaches and 1 betta. However, will 4 be enough for them to come out? The guy at the fish store said even with 4 i wont ever see them. So im thinking of upgrading to a 20 gallon and getting 6 or 7 kuhlis and 1 betta. Now i know it varies and some people see their loaches alot and others none at all. but if i get 6 or 7 will they come out even more, or will it not make a difference to getting just 4 of them? Thanks.

Answer 1

Four is perfectly okay, especially if you're only having a betta in there too. If you have quite a "busy" tank, the more of them you have the better. That way they're not as shy. Their idea is "safety in numbers" like small schooling fish. Being bottom dwellers they're often "mistaken" for food, so they're quite low on the fishy food chain.

A little tip, so you can see them all the time: In my tank, i have a piece of wood, propped up against the front of the tank, if it's dark enough they will use that as their home and then you can see them when you want  but at the same time they're quite happy. I'm sure they'll be really sociable during the night anyway. I dont think the betta would be aggressive towards them, but i would check first. x*x

Answer 2

That should be fine! As long as you provide plenty of hiding holes and aquatic plants so they can feel comfortble. But an upgrade wouldn't be a bad thing, then you could get more in the future!! So it all depends on what you want for your fish!!!!

Answer 3

you should have a 20g minimum for a kuhli loach, so get the 20g and limit to 4-5

Answer 4

they are noctornal and will hide most of the day and be out at night just to feed if they are hungry.  

Answer 5

4 should be fine, especially if they have shaded areas like plant bases and the occasional rock outcrop to hide in if startled.  The more places they have to hide, the more secure they'll feel, and the less they'll hide.  You should be fine with 4, but a larger group would definitely ensure activity.