Algae Eater trouble

[michelin29]

I have a question -

What kind of algae eater can I get for my goldfish tank. I've gone through 2 of them already and they both died. The fish store told me the water is too cold for algae eaters and recommended snails, but I've heard people say not to put snails in your tank.

The water temp. is about 72.

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks.

[DEmigh]

Here's a link (http://www.aquariacentral.com/species/db.cgi?db=fresh&uid=default&CommonName=algae+eater&ScientificName=&Family=&Type=---&Distribution=&pH=---&Temperature=---&MaxSize=&MinTankSize=&Diet=---&SocialBehavior=---&Temperment=---&Availability=---&BreedingDifficulty=---&Notes=&sb=1&keyword=&mh=200&view_records=Perform+Search) to the species profile on Aquaria Central.

Looks like your water is at the lower end of the reccomended temperatures for Algae Eaters, so that's not necessarily the problem, as you'll see reading the link.

Since Algae Eater is a common name, is it possible that you're actually being sold some species of Plecostomus?

[michelin29]

yes, it is a Plecostomus - are they not algae eaters? I always thought they were.

[DEmigh]

They definitely do eat algae, but the name "Algae Eater" can be applied to a lot of different fish. Here's another link (http://www.aquariacentral.com/species/db.cgi?db=fresh&uid=default&CommonName=&ScientificName=plecostomus&Family=&Type=---&Distribution=&pH=---&Temperature=---&MaxSize=&MinTankSize=&Diet=---&SocialBehavior=---&Temperment=---&Availability=---&BreedingDifficulty=---&Notes=&sb=2&keyword=&mh=200&view_records=Perform+Search) to the species profiles.

Let me ask a few questions:

How big is your tank?
How many goldfish/others?
How long has the tank been set-up?
Do you/have you tested for Ammonia, Nitrite, etc?
Is the tank planted?

[aquariumfishguy]

Fancy goldfish do best at temperatures around 72-75 degrees F. If you need to adjust the temp to 75-76, that is OK...fancy goldfish dont mind one bit. In fact, this helps aid in digestion as goldfish have problems with this aspect of eating.

Fancy goldfish (if thats indeed what you have) require about 20 gallons for the initial fish, and an additional 10 gallons per fish after that. SO.....for 2 goldfish, you should have about 30-40 gallons of water.

The common pleco, which is commonly sold desires 55+ gallons while some of the smaller species of plecos demands about 30+ gallons. Remember, plecos need more than algae to live. The need lots of driftwood as a munching "snack" and need some other foods fed directly to THEM.

Pleco's are known for sucking on the slimecoat of goldfish as it's tasty to them. :cool: I wouldn't recommend a pleco with goldfish of any kind.

So, if you have the room for a algae eater, then you may get one WITH CAUTION, but I dont recommend plecos. They are a no-no when it comes to mixing with goldfish.

[michelin29]

Sounds like I need to be shopping for a bigger tank! I have 4 goldfish in a 10 gal. tank. I started off with 2 fantails and then my kids won 2 common goldfish at a fair. I don't have any live plants at all, just some plastic ones.

It also sounds like I shouldn't go the algae eater route - I don't want them bugging the goldfish - what about snails? Or should I just bite the bullet and scape the algae off manually?

[aquariumfishguy]

Ok, yeah...you will want to shop for a larger tank! A 55 gallon would be best for the amount of fish you have. On the other hand, fancy goldfish and comet's dont generally mix well. I dont know if you've picked up on this yet, but the comet goldfish will act more territorial always trying to get the food, and will bully the slow guys (fancy's).

Is there any way you can give your commons to the LFS or just give them away? I really want you to have the experience of keeping these fish, and a 55 gallon would be perfect...but not with commons. :D

LOL yes I would just scrape the algae off. Once your tank settles and you get the balence of food, lighting, and overall water quality settled then algae should be a minimal thing. :)

[michelin29]

Could I keep the comets in the 10 gal. and move the fancy ones into a 55 gal.?

Also, what can I put into the 55 gal. tank to keep it from looking virtually empty (the fish are very small still). How do live plants and goldfish get along? They seem to pick up the gravel a lot - would they just uproot live plants?

Thanks for your help! My goldfish thank you too!!

[aquariumfishguy]

The commons couldn't stay in the 10 gallon. They can reach 14 inches when fully grow so you can see my point. :D I know your kids probably wont want to give them away or whatever but try explaining to them that we want the fish to be happy and healthy. Then, once your new tank is cycled add the 2 goldfish...wait a few weeks, and then you can add another 2 goldfish.

Some goldfish can handle live plants....mine do fine with them but I know some eat the plants and dig them up...so enter with live plants with caution. :p

Also, I know your tank will look bare at first...but with a few months, the goldfish will really start to grow and then you'll be thinking the tank is too full! If you get more fish (besides goldfish) now, then when the goldfish grow you will be looking to get rid of any other fish you might have added.

[RTR]

The commons will get a lot bigger than 4", but certainly not in a ten.

While I agree in general with all the comments made in the thread I am a bit more conservative and I allowed 30 gallons for each fish. But I would not mix common and fancy goldfish in the same tank either.

[michelin29]

Thanks for all the info!!