We all know that Kuhli Loaches are fascinating creatures. They can be fun to watch, but they sometimes do things that puzzle us. They live in an environment with a temperature of 73-86 degrees Fahrenheit. Moreover, Kuhli loaches can be a great asset in the fishkeeping world. But, why is my Kuhli Loach hanging out by the heater? Here are the reasons!
Your Kuhli Loach is hanging out by the heater for many reasons. Don’t worry, we will tell you why! The first reason is that they want to be comfortable. If your tank is too cold or dirty, your Kuhli Loach may feel unsafe and want to stay near the heater. They also might just like being close to it because it’s warm!
Another reason could be that you have newly introduced them into a new tank and they don’t know their way around yet. If this sounds like what’s happening in your house then try coaxing them away from the heat with some decorating ideas (like adding plants) or use a heater guard so it does not get too hot for them.
Reasons Why Your Kuhli Loach Is Hanging Around The Heater
There are many reasons why these fish hang around in the heater. The Kuhli loach is some interesting creature of the fishkeeping world. It can add some color to your tank and also make it a great watch piece. Some of the major reasons why they hang around the heater to focus on are:
Comfort
Comfort is probably one of the most important ones. They like to be warm and cozy in there. The aquarium is their home. Whenever you introduce new fish to the aquarium, it takes time for them to be familiar with the environment. Going near the heater might solve this issue for them.
Blank Tank
Secondly, they could be in a tank with no decorations or plants, which makes the water colder than it should be. You can add some major decorations in the tank-like plants or even hiding spaces.
Add some cool tankmates for the Kuhli loach to be comfortable with. Check here if Kuhli fish can live alone or not.
You can learn more about:
- Kuhli Loach Tankmates
- Can Kuhli Loaches Live With Guppies?
- Can I Keep Kuhli Loaches With Angelfish?
- Keep Kuhli Loach And Betta Together?
- Can Kuhli Loach Live With Cory Catfish?
- Can You Keep Kuhli Loach And Eels In The Same Tank?
Low Temperature
A Kuhli loach needs a temperature of 73-86 degrees Fahrenheit. Now if you don’t maintain the temperature in the tank, your Kuhli loach might seek the heater for support.
In order to survive, the Kuhli loach will stick to the heater.
Strong Current
Another reason would be that their tank might not be that big or that it doesn’t have a strong current, which means they need to go to the heater for some movement around them. For this, you can use an appropriate tank which is of about 20 gallons. You can also add 4-6 Kuhli loaches to make them comfortable.
Tetra ColorFusion Aquarium 20 Gallon Fish Tank Kit, Including LED Lighting and Decor, works well with the Kuhli loaches if you are willing to invest in one.
Tank Is Dirty
Higher temperatures kill bacteria that can be lurking in the tank. If the Kuhli loach goes near the heater, it means that it is seeking clear water. The heat cycles the tank in some way and the Kuhli loach seeks the cycled water with proper oxygen.
Does Kuhli Loach Clean The Tank? Interesting Facts
Newly Introduced Kuhli Loach
Finally, they might just be new and don’t know how to get back to their old spot where they used to hang out at. A newly introduced Kuhli loach is adjusting to the new environment. So, you have to give the new addition some time before it actually becomes familiar with the environment.
Pregnancy
Pregnant Kuhli loaches need warmer water than they usually live in. They also want to move to a space where the aggressive male Kuhli loaches cannot attack them before they give birth. So, you can catch them going to the heater area to be safe and warm.
How To Coax Your Kuhli Loach From Staying Away From Heater?
Now that you know why the Kuhli loaches like to stay near the heater, you can prepare for how to make it familiar with the tank. Being near the heater excessively is not good for the health of the fish. Hence, these are some ways that you can coax the Kuhli Loach from handing near the heater.
Improving Water Quality
Change the water every week or so for cleanliness purposes. You can also buy a filter to check whether there are any bacteria going in the tank.
A great filter that goes well with the 20-gallon aquarium is Tetra Whisper In-Tank Filter 40i with BioScrubber.
Use a Heater Guard
Use a heater guard if there is one. If not then try buying a special plastic tube that protects your hands from any burn while picking up the heater or adjusting it. Xiaoyztan Plastic Detachable Aquarium Water Heater Protector Fish Tank Water Warmer Guard can be a great option to look for as it is detachable too.
Decorate Your Tank
You can also decorate your tank with some nice plants and rocks which would make it look a more comfortable place for the Kuhli loach to live in rather than staying away from the heater all the time.
You can use PVC pipes or even rock caves in order to make them feel at home. Aquarium Decoration Rock Caves are also a good option to use in the aquarium for your Kuhli loach.
To know which plants suit the Kuhli loach better, check out our article on Kuhli loach in a planted tank.
Adjust Current
Furthermore, you should adjust the current of water by not having a strong one that might be acting as another reason why they are hanging around the heater. Adding the filter mentioned above can also help in creating the current you want.
Adding some air bubbles can be a good choice for you. However, you can also add some tankmates for movement in the tank.
Does Kuhli Loach Like Water Current? Find out here.
Maintain Temperature
In order to maintain a proper temperature, you can use an aquarium thermometer that will help you keep track of the changes in it.
If you ask me for a good aquarium thermometer, I would suggest you use AQUANEAT 3 Pack Aquarium Digital Thermometer which is digital and easy to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Kuhli Loach Need Heater?
Yes, they do need a heater in their tanks because without it they cannot survive and keep themselves warm to conduct their usual activities. If you don’t have a heater in your tank then make sure that there is someplace where they can go when it gets colder.
Do Kuhli Loach Need Filter?
No, they don’t need a filter in their tanks but you can use one to keep the water clean and clear for them which is also very important in order to survive properly without any diseases or bacteria.
Conclusion
If your Kuhli Loach is hanging out near the heater, then there might be some problem with the temperature, current of water, and possibly with the cleanliness of their tank. So make sure to get all these problems fixed in order to make your Kuhli loach happy again!
Summing up, Kuhli loaches can be sensitive to temperature, current of water, and cleanliness. Some ways to make them happy again are: adjusting the temperature by cleaning the tank’s filter or changing its water; increasing/decreasing the current (if needed); decorating the tank with some live plants for decoration purposes as well as making sure that there is enough space to roam around. Thanks for reading!
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