Questions - moving to a larger tank

[indy412]

Hello. I'm a new member on this forum - lots of great info here! I currently have a 20 community tank. I've had 3 clown loaches (my favorites!) in this tank for a few years and they need a bigger home (I admit I didn't research their requirements prior to purchase). The only spot in my house that will fit a larger tank is my basement; however, we don't have a sink down there so water changes will be a chore (but I'm willing to take it on). Is it unrealistic to set up a tank in this location,and what is the minimum size tank for the clown loaches? How many buckets would be required during water changes?
Thanks for the info and for a great forum!

[Ty]

call a plumber and see if they can tap into your hot watter heater lines, for a couple hundred bucks, you coul dhave a water tap in your basement, and all you woudl have to do is run a hose to your tank.

[NickFish]

If possible do as tolley said and try and tap into the water lines. My dad was able to do that by himself and get a tap set up in a few days so it can't be that expensive.

Good idea getting a bigger tank for the loaches. They get surprisingly huge!
I'd say 100 gallons is a minimum for 3 clown loaches but since they live only at the bottom you could put some other fish in there with them. Some tetras, barbs, rainbows or gouramis would be a good choice as tank mates.
Have fun they are great little fish!

[Tooch]

Getting water faucets down there is the best idea. That's what I'm having done in my basement, since we're moving our tanks down there. Then if you have a drain, you could get a python and water changes will be a sinch. Right now I have a 150gal in my living room, and to do changes I bought a garbage can dedicated solely to the changes. I syphon out about 3 as high as I can carry and dump them outside. Then I fill it up at the sink and carry it back to the living room and dump it in. I'm glad I'm not a scrawny guy, because it would take forever!

[hpt84]

There is a cheaper route. U can get a python. They work using water pressure. It can drain your tank or add water. I think it would be nice to have a tap in the basement, but it is a hassle.

[indy412]

Thanks for the info. I will definitely call the plumber and get a faucet in the basement. I think the 100 gallon tank would be too big for me right now. I was hoping I could get away with something smaller (55 gallon max). Could the clown loaches stay in a smaller tank until they get to a certain size? I would just hate to get rid of them right now. Mine are so enjoyable to watch and they are my kids (and my) favorite. Poor planning on my part.

[Lady Hobbs]

I agree with the phyton. Put the tank at the nearest area you can find to your water source upstairs. Less line will give more suction. A faucet downstairs would be the better solution but you need water that will not be only cold but can be regulated for refilling. That'll be something to think about in the future possibly but for now, the python will work.

[Lady Hobbs]

Loaches are said to live for up to 30 years and grow very large. Who knows how long it will take them to reach the unmanageable size and if they even get to that huge size in captivity. Mine have been in a 55 gallon for nearly two years and are less than 5 inches.

[indy412]

I didn't realize the Python system had up to 100 ft of hose. That would be more than enough to do the trick. Now I just have to decide on a tank size (up to 55) and equipment. I have an Aquaclear filter on my 20 gallon and have used that brand in the past for a 29 gallon tank. I'll have to do some research on canister filters. I'm sure I'll be posting with more questions. Thanks!

[NickFish]

You could get away with the 55G for at least 6-8 years.
Good luck!

[country_boy454]

First off, welcome to the forum! Secondly, yes tap into the water lines and if you can add a wash tub(like a bigger sink) to the area so you can have both hot and cold water and a drain. Then you can use the python to do water changes and cleaning of the tank. I use a python as my tanks are in the basement too. A 55 will be big enough for awhile.

[Drumachine09]

Like previously said, I would tap in to the line, and get a wash tub. If you try to use your python from upstairs, filling will be no problem, but draining the tank 10 feet into the air is going to be hard to do, not to mention slow.

If you get a washtub, you will have no problems.

[cocoa_pleco]

good idea with the sink, all of my tanks are in the basement and theres a washtub sink down there

[Rewth]

i have had zero luck with a python going up half a flight of stairs and into my kitchen. the additional 6 feet or so of elevation, at 50 feet of hose made the suction all but zero. i probably used 50 gallons of water to do a 10 gallon change.