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dasquee
03-11-2009, 10:10 AM
Hi guys, first timer on this forums so hopefully I've put this in the right place :)

Earlier this week I lost one of my 4 clown loaches to who knows what, there was no warning and the day before his colouring was great. Water levels are all perfect, we just think there may of been a problem since we got him. Anyway, fast forward to today, two of the three seem to almost be sad. I have two log type things in the tank which they've been sitting in all day. The third clown however is swimming all over the place and playing with his reflection in the glass like they usually do. Are my clown's mourning the loss of their friend? I'm just wondering if I should get another one tomorrow or not, mainly if it will help or make things worse.

All of the fish seem really healthy and the water is great, I've tested it multiple times since the fish died so... No idea really.

Thanks for help in advance :)

PS Tank stats:
100G, pH7.5, 0amm, 0nitrite, 20 nitrate (I think thats right, can't find the book right now someone moved it..)

ILuvMyGoldBarb
03-11-2009, 11:38 AM
Clown Loaches are extremely sociable fish. They have frequently have been known to display this kind of behavior when one member of a school of them dies. I had a group of Clown Loaches when the big ice storm of 2005 hit just after Christmas here and I lost power, as a result, I ended up losing one of the Clown Loaches. The rest of the Clowns were all rather docile for about a week until I replaced the lost fish with one of similar size. I'd suggest waiting to get another fish, not because it would cause problems, but mainly because you don't know what killed the first one and whatever killed the first one may eventually effect the others and any new fish added.

dasquee
03-11-2009, 11:42 AM
Thanks for the reply, I thought they were acting a little that way, poor things :(

How long would you suggest waiting? It'll be a week tomorrow and none of the fish in the tank (have 3 clowns 4 bristlenose 2 upside down cats and 3 gouramis) seem to be showing any signs of problems. The loach that died was hiding behind the filter for almost 2 full days without coming out at all, none of the fish are doing this so.. *shrug*

Thanks :)

ILuvMyGoldBarb
03-11-2009, 11:44 AM
After a week you should be ok, I'd give it one more week just to be safe though.

jb300m01
03-12-2009, 02:20 AM
How big are they? Maybe you can add 2 more clowns? 5 would definitely perk up the group

dasquee
03-12-2009, 02:25 AM
They're only really small, 2 inches at most, but wouldn't that be pushing it for my tank?

Oscar_freak12321
04-19-2009, 12:37 AM
Possibly. Clowns have been known to show that behavior, but like ILuvmygoldbarb said, I would wait to make sure the other fish don't drop off either. Maybe a week, that would be my guess of the time to wait.