Any kuhli loach experts out there?

Question

I'm planning to get 4 kuhli loaches to place into an empty aquarium.The tank is set up according to the fish's preference-fine gravel,heavily planted and lots of caves.I read that these loaches are masters of hide and seek and are nocturnal.My question:

1.Since the fish only comes out in the dark,what is the best way to view them?

2.Is it ok to introduce other bottom dwellers?I'm planning for something more active like rainbow sharks.

3.Will using dither fish coax kuhli loach out of hiding?

Answer 1

Please make sure you cycle the tank before adding the kuhlis. They are not suitable at ALL for an uncycled tank. Because they are "scaleless", they are very sensitive to the ammonia and nitrite spikes that occur in a cycling tank. Make sure your water temperature is cooler...they like it about 74 or 75 but can tolerate up to 78.
The more you keep, the more you'll see them. 4 is the minimum and would do bet in a 20 gallon aquarium (they get up to 4") but the more you get, the more out they'll be and you won't have to worry about only seeing them at night. A group of 4 can be kept in a minimum 10 gallon tank. You don't mention what size your tank is to really recommend tankmates.
Some compatible species though are Barbs, Corydoras, Danios, Rasboras, Rainbowfish, Livebearers, Plecos, Tetras.
They don't respond to dither fish. They use each other as dithers. They aren't schooling fish but get much more social when around others of their kind, playing tag and other fishy games. The fewer you have, the less you'll see them.

Answer 2

I have kept Kuhli Loaches. Your best bet is to keep a group of them since they are social and like to hang out in groups. 4 minimum. Also use a fine gravel or sand bottom and provide places for hiding like a pot or fake hollow log. They are more active at night so if you want to watch them you can dim the lights by using some floating plants and then sit back and watch in the evening with the lights off in the room.

I wouldn't mix sharks in with them but you can get Cory Catfish or mid level dwelling fish like Rasboras. I don't know if dither fish will coax the Kuhli Loaches out but it may make your tank not look so empty during the day.

Answer 3

The more boisterous the fish the less likely you'll see them, as has been suggested sand is a better covering for the bottom. However fine gravel which isn't sharp will do fine. Get it right and you'll see them in the day time too, but usually last thing in the evening i would suggest two light timers one going off an hour before the other this may allow more time for you to see them.
Sharks are Territorial and you can only keep one in anything less than a 4ft tank.
Loach's are fine but they tend to be too active especially clown loach for the kuhli. I'd stick to cory's.

Answer 4

1. Kuhlies are difficult to view. They will only come out when they feel like it.....and they rarely feel like it.

2. Yes, kuhlies are compatible with almost all other fish. They will live and let live.

3. No, nothing will coax a kuhli out of hiding, including a fish net. If you're going to plan to buy four, you need to plan to spend a lot of time waiting for the fish clerk to catch the kuhlies. They are extremely elusive and hard to catch.

Good luck!

Answer 5

I say !

This fish is nocturnal..but it does come out..if theres more then 4 they like other kuhli loeaches..Also i reccmoend Sand as a substrate..They LOVE digging themselves!.um for companions slow moving fish like Corys should do nice IDK bout the shark since they can be territorial..and question 3 Just let the loaches freely..dont make them do nuthing a natural way is better.LOL..

A tip also u should a make a cave of a terra- pot

Answer 6

besides, they are nocturnal. So, in the adventure that your danios tend to consume each and each and each and all of the nutrition, placed some greater advantageous for the kuhli to consume on the backside. regardless of if, as quickly as you get them, they're going to be swimming around indoors the day as they advance accustomed on your aquarium.