Keeping kuhli loaches with sand

[Finny]

I'm running a 20 gallon tank with sand substrate, and it's a bit of a challenge when it comes to maintenance. The back is heavily planted, and there are lots of ornaments that make it tough to get into all the nooks and crannies during partial water changes.

I was wondering if adding a group of 6 Kuhli loaches would help keep the sand aerated in those hard-to-reach areas.

[bettaMagenta]

I think it's a bit optimistic to expect those Kuhli loaches to do all the heavy lifting when it comes to aerating the sand in those hard-to-reach areas. They might hang out where the sand is already nice and fluffed, or they might do some of the work, but I'm guessing they'll leave some areas untouched.

A specialized, smaller gravel sucker might be just what you need to get into those tight spaces - maybe something custom-made for the job.

[Finny]

I think it's a bit optimistic to expect those Kuhli loaches to do all the heavy lifting when it comes to aerating the sand in those hard-to-reach areas. They might hang out where the sand is already nice and fluffed, or they might do some of the work, but I'm guessing they'll leave some areas untouched.

A specialized, smaller gravel sucker might be just what you need to get into those tight spaces - maybe something custom-made for the job.

I've got a sand substrate and I use a glass cleaning stick to gently stir it up, trying not to disturb the live plants' roots. It's always a concern, and rearranging decorations weekly stresses the fish. I thought, why not get a fish that not only brings me joy but also helps with aeration in those hard-to-reach areas? A win-win, right? But I'm hesitant to introduce them if they'll just add to the problem and make cleaning even more challenging.

[Finny]

I'm running a 20 gallon tank with sand substrate, and it's a bit of a challenge when it comes to maintenance. The back is heavily planted, and there are lots of ornaments that make it tough to get into all the nooks and crannies during partial water changes.

I was wondering if adding a group of 6 Kuhli loaches would help keep the sand aerated in those hard-to-reach areas.

I'm not looking for them to thoroughly clean the sand, just disturb it a bit from underneath the surface.

[boomer]

Sand is generally fine without stirring, as long as it's not too deep - I'd say up to 2 inches is a safe bet. You'll always get some "dead" spots, but that's just part of a healthy substrate. Fish will naturally move the sand around a bit, and if you've got plants rooted in the substrate, they'll help oxygenate it too. Snails can also lend a hand. It's okay to have some anaerobic spots, especially under wood or rock - just leave them be.

[Finny]

Thanks for the info. I do have some areas with deeper sand, but most of it's manageable. My main concern's the spots under the wood and ornaments - they're pretty hard to reach. But, I've got live plants with roots in the sand around those areas, so I guess that's helping. I just get these occasional worries that I'm missing something crucial and it'll end up harming my fish.

[sidthy]

Kuhli loaches will definitely help turn the sand, and having a group of them will increase the effect. Despite their length, they have a relatively low bioload, which is a bonus.

[Finny]

I'd also come across that in my research and it added to their appeal for me. My previous experience with a bristlenose was a bit of a different story, though - he was a heavy waste producer.

[infold]

Those little Kuhli loaches are going to be absolute lifesavers for me.