Clown Loach and Jewel Cichlid

[Ave]

My compatibility chart says they don't match. But why? Temp, Ph and Gh seem to be the same?!

And if they don't, maybe you can suggest me suitable BIG fish formy tank: 500 L (132 G) with 7 clown loaches, 15 tiger barbs, 6 blue gouramies.
The thing is, my main inhabitants are my clown loaches but they are so small and grow much slower than I expected. So now I'm without big fish. But I would like to have a pair of big fish too. So far I have found only those who are schooling and overcrowd my tank (eg bala sharks).
My filter is JBL Crystal Profi 500 (1200 Liters per hour)

 

[Toirtis]

A jewel cichlid would first kill your barbs, then the gouramis, then go after the loaches.

Perhaps, for your 'big' fish, you should consider severums or discus.

 

[Ave]

Oh... ok...

 

[12 Volt Man]

lots of options..but I would not go with discus (with tiger barbs).

you could go with:


4-6 silver dollars
a few balas (will get big)

a few tinfoil barbs (will get big)

a severum (not too nasty)

etc.

you have lots of options in a 135

 

[Ave]

thanks, 12 Volt Man!
some peolple warn me, that even my clown loaches will get too big for my tank... but when will this happen??? The tank is so empty now, especially when the loaches are hiding. I considered tinfoli barbs myself. Severum would be great!

 

[Lupin]

but when will this happen???

Wait in a few years. Bigger tank space will allow consistent growth spurt. Smaller tank sizes on the other hand...:dance2:

 

[Toirtis]

Wait in a few years. Bigger tank space will allow consistent growth spurt. Smaller tank sizes on the other hand...:dance2:

Actually, frequent, large water changes will spur growth despite tank size. However, it is unlikely that your clown loaches will exceed 6" in less than 4 years, and maximum mature size (12"-16") typically takes upwards of 20-25 years.

 

[Toirtis]

lots of options..but I would not go with discus (with tiger barbs).

True, but choosing between tiger barbs and discus is a pretty easy choice.

 

[12 Volt Man]

there is another thread about this, but personally, i would not classify clown loaches as in the same catagory as other 'big' fish.

the reason is simple:

go out and buy a few oscars or barbs and in one year you will have a few 12 inch fish.

go out and buy a few clown loaches and in a year you will likely have a few 4 inch fish.

In 6 years they might be 6 inches.

after 6 inches, its rare to get them a whole lot bigger in the home aquarium, although it can happen.

Its not about tank size. Whether you have a 90 or a 180 doesn't matter. Growing up monster clowns is a lot more complicated than that.

thats why pet stores are not flooded with foot long loaches everyday like they are with oscars, barbs, sharks, plecos and the like.

For more info, see the other thread LOL