loachs

[dafoghorn]

im looking for some loachs that do not get to big(smaller the better).but i also want them for some snail control.what would be best?

[Vinny]

Kuhli loaches are small (no longer than 3-4 inches), and are great for controlling snail population. Put them in your tank, and expect a LOT of your snails to be gone within days.

Although, they are nocturnal, and will be seen mainly hiding during the day, coming out at night to eat. They are best kept in groups of four or more, and will be more comfortable.

If you have fine substrate, such as Eco/Aquasoil, expect them to burry in your gravel. In my experience, they won't root up your fine stemmed plants.

Bottom line, they would be a great choice for even the smaller aquarium. Feed them algae Wafers, and they will be happy. Loaches are great fish.

[Lupin]

I've never seen kuhli loaches eating snails. Snail eggs maybe but snails..I don't think so. What size is your tank?

[newshound]

Originally Posted by Bluebell

I've never seen kuhli loaches eating snails. Snail eggs maybe but snails..I don't think so. What size is your tank?

Ill second that
buying loaches just for snail control is a bad idea.

[aquanut415]

Originally Posted by dafoghorn

im looking for some loachs that do not get to big(smaller the better).but i also want them for some snail control.what would be best?

i keep yoyo, zebra, and sidthimunkii without a problem. very neat fish, keep the snails in check, and a nice addition for the community planted tank.

[JennysPlanties]

My Khulis are awesome and I love them, they are such fun fish and have their own personalities, I SWEAR!! They are my fave fish in the tank right now... but they don't seem to be making a dent in the snail population... I don't see very many eggs anymore though.

I've heard that YoYo and Zebra loaches are good for snail control though.

[Jman17H]

I would recommend either Botia stiata (aka Zebra Loach) or Botia sidthimunkii (aka Dwarf Chain Loach). They both stay small (commonly 2-3" at most), eat snails, are very active, basically peaceful and just down right fun to watch.

Botia almorhae (Yoyo Loach) can get up to 6", tends to trim/uproot delicate plants and can get nippy. They are also fun to watch but not quite as community friendly.

If you have loaches, do not plan to have snails and/or shrimp or expect young from egg layers who do not aggresively protect.

[Twilight]

Dwarf loaches eat snails? I didn't know that. I thought that Zebras were the smallest snail eaters.

[Plantasia]

I love the sidthimunkis - they're so cute

[Lupin]

Originally Posted by Twilight

Dwarf loaches eat snails? I didn't know that. I thought that Zebras were the smallest snail eaters.

Yes, they do but will eat snails that are just right for their mouths. They need to be kept in groups if you want them.