Preparing for arrival of my Clown Loaches?

Question

Ok, I have done research about the clown loaches, I have 2 in reserve at PetCo and plan on going to get them later this afternoon, if anyone can help me by giving me advise on how to prepare for them so that they won't be so suptilical to ich I would appreciate it.

I know that to treat them if they do come down with ich, to turn the heat up to 85 degrees, should I do that before I put them in the tank? I just want to eliminate as much stress on these guys as possible..thanks.

Answer 1

When you first get them, drip acclimate them to your tank. This is how the pros acclimate their fish, and it puts less stress on them since they get acclimated to the water slowly. Here's some links on how to do it: http://saltaquarium.about.com/library/we...

http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/just...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0u7waGLH-...

(^ that's actually my video)

http://www.ratemyfishtank.com/articles/9...

Do you have a big enough tank? Clown Loaches grow up to a foot long, and 2 would require a 100+ gallon tank.

Also, to eliminate ich, get as much oxygen as you can into the water.

E-mail me for any questions!

Answer 2

They do best in groups of at least 3, though more is usually better.  But, that depends on your tank size.  They do grow large, but they are slow growers.

If you have a tank already established with other fish, and since you're getting them from Petco, I would strongly suggest quaranting them first in a separate tank for at least 2 weeks.  I would also treat them for internal parasites with a medicated food as well.

Like metioned already, be sure to slowly let them adjust to their new environment.  Take your time letting them adjust to the water  Make sure the tank is fully cycled as well-they're very sensitive to poor water quality.

Answer 3

I don't recommend beginning any treatment without there being any need to. But to be on the safe side, I'd set the temperature somewhere at the higher end of their comfy range. Also: maintain clean water, proper ph, hiding spots, shade, and some deep water movement/currents and your Clown Loaches are sure to grow big enough to surprise you one day.

Answer 4

If there are other fish in the tank, you need to quarantine the clowns in a different tank.  If there are no other fish, turn the water up to at least 82 F, place the bag with the clowns in the water, and follow the acclimatization process.  You can then leave the temp at 82 F to prevent ich from popping up.  However, once you get rid of it, it will only return with improper addition of fish or plants.

Or leave the water at temp you would normally keep it, acclimate the fish, then turn the temp up so water will reach 82 F.  This will allow better acclimatization for the fish.

Clowns do best in a school, but grow to 16 ", so you need a pretty large tank.