Do you think a 55g would be too small for baby clown loaches? I know they grow to be really big fish and that they're really active and prefer to be in groups of 6+. So I know I'll eventually need a bigger tank but do you think this would work for awhile?

I don't know, they're such slow growers I feel like they'd be alright in a 55g for awhile. Just make sure you have enough filtration - they like oxygenated water. So a bubbler or two might be a good idea too.