FishProfiles.com Message Forums

could I add some kuhli loaches to my 10 gallon tank? Right now it has 5 platies in it. I have 5 fake plants but I could get a couple more if I need them. I also have a little fake coral thing that has a cave in it but could get something else for more hiding space. I'm under the impression that kuhli's produce a small bioload so I thought I could add 2-3. Thoughts?

I'm no expert on them, but you would probably be safe in doing so. They do get to around 3-4", in total length and if I remember correctly they do like to be in groups of at least 3, so you should be okay there.

There are others here that can answer the question better than I can and I'm sure they'll correct me if I'm mistaken.

Jim

---

Water, taken in moderation, cannot hurt anybody. -- Mark Twain

Sounds like they would be fine, but dont forget that the substate either has to be loose enough so that they can burrow into it, or place stuff like bogwood in small pieces on the floor so that they can get under something that feels secure to them , and yet isnt so heavy they can be crushed should the loaches undermine it. They stress real easy if too exposed. Ironically youre more likely to see them if they have cover and feel secure than if you dont have much and they feel paranoid enough to want to hide all the time. Even so , you might not see a lot of them, but then thats kuhlis for you!

kuhlis would work in there. just remember, they can hide very good. i bought some and they were less than 1 inch, didnt see them for 5 months, next time i did when i was cleaning, they got up to 3 inches on me. and they are a big treat to watch

Fish tanks are an expensive addiction

With the platies and loaches you might be overstocked depending on what type of filter you have.

They'll clean up leftovers on the substrate but don't rely on that as their entire diet.

Make sure substrate isn't terrible sharp. With larger substrate you should see more activity from them as they try to burrow looking for food.

Kuhlis definitely prefer friends, I'd suggest a minimum of 3.

My favorite fish

~~~~~~~~~~~~
There is water at the bottom of the ocean

I feed my platies standard flake once a day and frozen bloodworms once a week. Should I add in some sinking shrimp pellets or something for the kuhlis? adding them in the evening/night of course.

My filter came with the 10 gallon in a kit and it seems to work pretty good. I also have 2 airstones in the tank and I do weekly gravel vacs/water changes of about 2-3 gallons and the tank is completely cycled.

They would definitely appreciate the pellets, algae wafers, or other bottom feeder foods.

I got mine used to morning feedings so that they are active-and can be seen-during the day.

I've also had a lot of luck feeding them zucchini and cucumber (http://www.fishprofiles.com/files/threads/32565.1.htm?16#)

~~~~~~~~~~~~
There is water at the bottom of the ocean