Can I keep Cichlids with Clown loaches?

Question

I have a 29 gallon tank with a few Malwian Cichlids, will they get along with a couple of clown loaches, i need a bottom feader to clean my tank, but not a pleco any suggestions?

Answer 1

It's not the best of ideas to keep the loaches with the africans. Clown loaches really need softener, lower pH water than the africans need and depending on the size of the loaches they will probably end up taking a beating before too long.

As for a bottom feeder for an african tank, it's hard to beat a synodontis catfish. They come from the same lakes as many of the africans and will do really well together.

MM

Answer 2

Clown Loach Ph

Answer 3

I'm sure someone has done it, but it's a really terrible idea. As well as the aggression issues from the cichlids they prefer very different water condtions. The Cichlids like pH around 8 and very hard water. Clown loaches the opposite, soft water, pH around 6.5 One or both of the fish are going to be really stressed by the condtrions, and that leads to sick and dead fish over time. Ian

Answer 4

There are two schools of thought on this.

The fact is, all of these fish tolerate a wide range of PH and most keepers don't mess around with the water- and the fish do fine. I have have known clown loaches to be successfully kept with Malawis, though haven't done so myself.

I'm surprised nobody mentioned the size of these fish. Clowns grow to a foot long and are absolutely unsuitable for such a small tank.

For that matter, Malawis are really active and territorial, I'd be surprised if you can keep them for too long without aggression in this tank. If they are young (under 2") then I'll warn you now to consider upgrading. If they are mature, then you've beaten the odds and might be ok.

I find it hard to bleive you need something to clean your tank - my mbuna don't let a scrap go uneaten and are equal to any bottom feeder in keeping waste food from accumulating. Also, if it is accumulating, you are feeding too much. Get bottom feeders because you like them, but keep the tank clean through prevention.

Synodontis Petricola is a good match - they don't get very big and are tough and active just like malawis.
Synodontis Multipunctatus (cuckoo catfish), the more populare type, I can assure you get too big and are too active and too aggressive for the size of your tank. I currently keep them and would consider it cruel to stuff them into it.

Answer 5

My experience is that Loaches in pairs are pretty tough buggers. And they are quick enough to get away if they are bothered by the other fish. I have a 32 gallon tank with a parrot fish, shark and some other semi-aggressive fish. I introduced 2 small loaches to help keep the snail population under control and they thrived nicely (and grew quickly). They do like to hide at night, so having a large shell in your tank for them is a good idea.

Answer 6

They need two entirely different pH levels not to mention the cichlids will more than likely eat your poor loaches. Cichlids have such a high pH that they have been known to be kept with saltwater fish. Plecos would be the best due to their ruggedness, but since you cannot have them the next best thing is a large cory cat. They are pretty quick and rugged. good luck. PS. dont try snails.. they are cichlids favorite snack.

Answer 7

Sure, granted there are still places for the Clown Loaches to go to if they ever need to avoid the Cichlids.

The Clown Loaches are a strong fish able to take care of themselves, but all fish need a place of refuge (yes, even your Cichlids)

Answer 8

Hmmmm, not necessarily the best situation for fun frolickers like clown loaches. It depends on how much hiding areas there are for them to escape and hide. But why submit them to that kind of stress... I think it's a no-no...