Clown Loach tank size

Question
QUESTION: Hello,  I have 125 gallon freshwater tank with 4 Silver Dollars and 3 Clown Loaches.  The Silver Dollars are about 4" ane two of the Loaches are about 3-4" with the third Loach being between 7-8".  I read that Clown Loaches should never be kept in groups of less than 5.  They are all very healthy. I keep my nitrates below 20ppm with water changes and the use of a denitrator.  I see many pictures of Clown Loaches with far more fish in a tank than I thought was appropriate.  How many would you recommend for my tank?  I have a Rena Xp4 canister filter and 3 AC110's.

ANSWER: As it is mentioned by you the size of the tank, it is so small for them to be more bigger and open place for them. You have to arrange for them minimum 250-300 liter tank for them. Otherwise you have to reduce the quantity. For your tank size only two Oscar is enough. Thanks. Good Luck.

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---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: You answered that I may have two Oscars in my 125 gallon tank.  I asked how many clown loaches.  I have one 7" loach and two 2-3" loaches.  How many clown loaches  may I have?  I don't want Oscars.
Thanks and sorry for any confusion.
Bill

Answer
Dear William,
A harmless, very active and sociable fish, clown loaches are best kept in groups of 3-4 or more. Due to their potentially large size, a 60 to 100 gallon (230 to 380 litre) aquarium should be the minimum size used. Clown loaches have no special requirements on water conditions, they do however prefer a certain aquarium setup to be at their best. A tank size of 48 inches (120 cm ) with the length being more important than the depth. It is very important to have a soft or fine textured substrate as they are continually probing the upper layers with their barbels for food. The tank does not need to be heavily planted, but the fish are shy and must have a place to hide - driftwood - caves - or even a clay flowerpot. The lighting in the tank should not be overly bright. Clown loaches are happiest living in small groups and will live peacefully with all other fish. Sometimes they will form small troops with members of the Corydoras family. Feeding is not difficult as they will accept all prepared foods and like all fish relish the addition of live foods especially small worms. The addition of a plant supplement is also beneficial. Clown loaches once established can live a very long time.

* For further detail email or contact me *
parthanetra@yahoo.com or parthanetra@gmail.com, Cell. No. +91 9434146179 or 00919434146179