Koi and Loaches together?

Question

Does anyone have any experience with these two types of fish together (koi and weather loaches)? I have a 150 gal. tank to fill and definitely want koi; would like weather loaches as well. The tank is long and shallow -- about five feet long. I'm also looking for advice on how many of each I should consider. I'd like 3 koi and 2 or 3 loaches, but I'm afraid that might end up being over crowded since koi can get big and I don't have a pond I'm willing to transfer them too. Will definitely have a good filter system (bio wheel, 160 gal. capacity -- actually 2 80 gal. capacity filters since that's what I could find in the brand I decided I like. And lots of live plants - yes, loaches are diggers, but I'd rather have up-turned plants than plastic -- sandy bottom... really can't wait to get it set up. Plants first, then fish.)

Thanks!

Answer 1

As another answer said, the last thing you need to be worrying about with your plants is for them to get uprooted. The Koi will simply eat them. Weather/Dojo Loaches are COLDWATER fish, and so are Koi, and you won't see aggression between the two, so in that sense, they are compatible, but as each Koi reaches two feet in length, you're definitely gonna be looking for more space. They are NOT slow swimmers either, so either 1 Koi and a few Dojo/Weather Loaches for the bottom, or a pond. If you don't have a pond for them to go to when they get bigger, the last thing you want to do is overstock your tank. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

I would like to comment on Aqua's generalizations now: not all (in fact, very FEW) Loaches are sensitive to ammonia. Dojo/Weather Loaches will tolerate high ammonia very well. Also, not all Loaches are tropical. Dojo/Weather Loaches, Hillstream Loaches, and a few others do best in temperate waters, and many "tropical" Loaches that are common in stores do fine in temperatures near 70*.

Soop Nazi

Answer 2

There parameters are comparable, yet you may wish an rather great tank. Koi and goldfish carry parasites and different nasty issues that they are proof against, yet loaches are not. There additionally would nicely be subjects with your koi finding out on on your loach, as its enormously defenseless. additionally, your Koi would %. on your gold fish. additionally, the waist produced by potential of Koi and Goldfish could must be watched, as they might have a greater ideal tolerance for there waist than the loach, who produces much less waist than the two of the different fish.

Answer 3

Even pet store owners don't seem to do research and learn about fish. Koi are cold water fish; loaches are tropicals: warm water fish. Koi produce a lot of ammonia; loaches are very sensitive to ammonia. Be sure to get sand that isn't sharp for a substrate if you get a loach that burrows. Your filters are not enough for your tank. They should be rated for a tank that is 2 times the size of yours: 300 gallons and a canister would be best. Also be sure to read up on cycling a tank:
http://www.firsttankguide.net/cycle.php
http://www.aquatic-hobbyist.com/profiles/misc/fishlesscycling.html
and here's a sit on the care of koi:
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=16&cat=1917&articleid=2903
You will notice on the koi site that they grow fast and will need at least 1000 gallons, so be prepared to dig a pond or find them new homes soon.
Thank you on the correction on the loaches. I have always seen them in tropical tanks and am glad to know that that is not where they belong.

Answer 4

Yes they are compatable the loaches are pretty much bottom feeders and Koi are just pretty goldfish and will eat food from the surface or the bottom, but yes they will be fine

Answer 5

If you have koi, you won't have upturned plants, you will have eaten plants. I am still trying to figure out how to protect my plants in my pond from the kois I have in there. I feed them enough, but they love live plants!

Answer 6

3 koi 1 loach and a spotted raphial catfish would be good