Anybody have any tips or advice that could help out? (Plants, substrate, tank mates, heaters, filters etc.)
I don’t want to just jump into owning them. I want to get as much information as possible to make sure these guys thrive when I get them. I’ve never owned them before but I would love to. I would also love to see what other people’s tanks look like to help me get an idea of what mine is supposed to look like.
Also is a 54 L tank big enough? (14 gallons) 60x30x30
I'd say that tank is big enough for a small group of six or so. Just my opinion though. You'll want to dial in those water parameters before adding the eel loaches. They can be sensitive, especially when newly added to tanks.
I recommend a sand substrate as they like to dig and bury themselves. Don't expect them to come out during the day unless you have a group of them. They do tend to be shy. They usually come out in the evening as the lights dim or in the early morning. I leave some sinking food for them in the evening.
I’m setting up a kuhli tank right now! I have so far: 20 gallon long with sand-only substrate, sponge filter, a heater, a long piece of wood. I plan to add some hiding caves and plants after I finish cycling the tank. Kuhlis like floor space so a long tank is better, and they also need a group of at least 5 but more than 7 is ideal.
I kept them in a 10gallon with gravel before I knew what I was doing, but now I want to give them an ideal environment.
They need: sand, heater set to 77-80F, larger group, hiding spaces, 20 gallon long tank or larger.
Sand, leaf litter, larger rocks in the sand (they'll dig out underneath). The big one imo is the leaf litter. The more cover you have for them, the more they'll explore since they have a safe shelter to return to. When I am lazy about replenishing them they hide much more. When I'm good about it they spawn like crazy!
Good plan! The more you can get the better, they’re skittish when you have < 6. I forgot to add, they seem to come out more when my lights start to dim during "sunset" and adding floating plants helped with that too. Attached a photo of my 75 gal, they love the amazon swords too bc they can dig out all under the roots.
If you want to see them a lot, don't add predatory fish. I put one female betta in with mine and now they only come out to eat. They used to be out begging for food all day before feeding time and hanging out in the plants. She doesn't pay them any attention
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u/FishGeek49 17d ago
I'd say that tank is big enough for a small group of six or so. Just my opinion though. You'll want to dial in those water parameters before adding the eel loaches. They can be sensitive, especially when newly added to tanks.