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I have the opportunity to buy several Botia sidthimunki, aka Chain/Dwarf loaches. I am excited and hesitant at the same time. My hesitation? 25-30$ per fish. This is a big expense for me, but a very rare opportunity as well.

So, what would you do?

I vote! Do you?

This is a great looking fish, however they should be kept in groups of 5 or more. If you are going to do this you need to ask your self, "can I afford $150.00 of fish now".
As I am sure you know the out look for the economy is not good in Canada. If you think that you are still going to have a job in couple weeks, month, next year, go for it. If you may not have a job in the near future, I would hold off.
It's only money, you can make more (unless you do not have a job).

I need to add one more point. You should also ask yourself, will the lights stay on if I get these fish. Will the heat stay on. Will I still eat. Will VISA call looking for their money. If you say yes to any of these I would say DO NOT get the fish.

You mean if the answer is "no" to any of those? BTW, we have an edit function on posts, so you can go back and change your old posts if you forgot to say something.

If you want them and can afford them, go for it. I'd easily shell out at least $30 (US... Not sure how that converts to Canadian?) for some fish I like, such as plecs. My tank at this moment contains about $100 of fish, and I'm looking to get what may be $100 more. Keeping fish is basically flushing money; it can be an expensive hobby at times, but to us crazies out there it's well worth it.

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The aquarist is one who must learn the ways of the biologist, the chemist, and the veterinarian.

Go for it..... depending on where you live in our glorious country, you will likely be buffered from the current woes of the rest of North America....
If you think fishkeeping is expensive, try Labrador Retrievers! As they get old, they cost! Food=$60/month! They chew the odd thing as well.... Like goosefeather Duvets!
Dan

55G -5x Bosemani, 3x Emerald Cory,3x Red Rainbow, 3x Turquoise Rainbow. 20G-Empty. 10G -4x Danio 3x Cory Fry 1 Gold Mystery Snail. 10G- 1x CAE, 2x Tetra 1x ADF

I was in a similar situation a few months ago. I'd always wanted sids but only ever saw them in a LFS when I didn't have any tank space.

Finally found some good quality specimens just as a tank came free. Only problem was that I had planned on six but the LFS had eight. Of course, it was unfair to leave two behind so I bought the lot

They're great little characters and far more active than my clowns. If you can give them a suitable tank, then go for it.

Mature, sensible signature required for responsible position. Good prospects for the right candidate. Apply within.

wow, i think this is the only fish we may have the upper hand on - £3.50 a go here!

£3.50? Wow! Whereabouts are you? My LFS had some in yesterday which were £7.70 each, and very small. The owner was saying that this is becoming a trend with the wholesalers sending smaller, younger fish but charging him the same prices.

Won't stop me going back in a couple of weeks to get them once they've had a chance to settle in

Mature, sensible signature required for responsible position. Good prospects for the right candidate. Apply within.

Manchester.

Hmmm, Airfare to Manchester....

Well, I still haven't made up my mind. I guess it will depend on how my finances sit when they arrive. The lfs is ordering more than just the ones by special order, so I have a bit more time.

Thanks, folks.

I vote! Do you?