questions

Question
im planning to get an aquarium later so i have these questions:
1. are zebra loaches ok for beginners?
2. can full grown clown loaches (1 ft) be kept with african dwarf frogs and bamboo shrimp?
3. if i get a clown loach/zebra loach as a beginner and the water temp stays at 90 degrees to eliminate any chances of ich and read on how to care for these loaches, are they good beginer fish?
4. can bamboo shrimp and african dwarf frogs handle 90 degree water temperature? if so, for how long?

Answer
Hi Lance,

1) If you've never kept fish in your life before, I wouldn't pick Zebra Loaches, because they definitely need excellent water quality and good care. However, if you take the time and dedication to research some info on them, and their behavior, a beginner could keep Zebra Loaches. See this for info on Zebra Loach care:

http://www.loaches.com/species-index/botia-striata

2)Clown Loaches will not eat your frogs. However, they will definitely eat shrimp, or at least, shrimp parts, as they are natural predators in the wild. If you don't want your shrimp to become snacks, then I would not keep Loaches and shrimp together.

3)You cannot keep the temperature at a constant 90F. Loaches will become very uncomfortable at temperatures of 85F or greater. 90F will certainly stress them, and the will most likely die. There's no point in keeping the temperature at 90F. It would be a waste of electricity. I understand that you are worried about Ich, but there are medications to treat it, and you can prevent it by picking out the healthiest fish from the store. No tropical fish (except discus) can tolerate temperatures of 90F or greater. And, if you're a beginner, don't think about Discus...

4)Two hours max.

Some more suitable beginner's fish include:

These fish need a temperature of about 75-78F.

Zebra Danios
Guppies
Mollies
Platy Fish
Corydoras Catfish
Swordtails
Bettas (do not keep more than one male)

Good Luck, and Happy Fishkeeping!