Tell them to find an LFS to sell it to. My LFS buys back larger fish from people who raise healthy fish. That way people who have large tanks or ponds with restocking needs can get fish who will fit in with their setup. Sorry about the switch on which eats the slime coat must have been reading it late at night, plus I don't keep goldfish so it probably didn't grab my attention fully.
Death trap
- Thread starter unvmyplecos
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Goldfish require a much higher volume of water per fish along with a lot more filtration for the tank they're in than do most other species of aquarium fish we normally keep. For 2 orandas and 1 black moor, I would recommend a 55-60 gallon tank at minimum ... plus double (or more) the usual level of filtration than a tropical community tank setup would need.
More specifically... for slender-bodied, pond-type goldfish such as comets, commons, wakins, and shubunkins - plan on giving them 20 gallons per fish. For fancy varieties like orandas, moors, lionheads, and so on - plan for 15 gallons per fish. By following this basic 'rule of thumb,' we're able to maintain a goldfish tank easily by simply performing regular routine tank maintenance practices; i.e., weekly partial water changes, filter cleaning, gravel vacs.
Plecos should never be kept in the same tank with goldfish for several specific reasons...
Aside from (#1) their natural taste for the slime coat produced by high bodied fish, like goldfish, they also (#2) need vastly different tank setups.. tropical conditions vs. coldwater/temperate conditions.
(#3) Competition for food becomes a big problem, as well, for the much less gregarious pleco living in the same tank with such active, boisterous goldfish. Goldfish are omnivores who are constantly looking for leftover bits of food -- which is the same as that needed by the pleco. This makes it a constant challenge to keep a pleco well fed in the same tank.
Most importantly, goldfish are still a pond fish species despite the fact that we keep them in aquariums. They are much more prone to problems of parasitic infestation/illness because of this.... goldfish are also more susceptible to illnesses/disease resulting from their unique digestive limitations. Invariably, when the need for medication arises for the welfare and good health of the goldfish, (#4) plecos cannot tolerate the same medications and dosages needed for treatment.
Needing to keep the water clean and water parameters stable in goldfish tanks is also a major consideration, as (#5) both goldfish and plecos produce an inordinately high level of waste. Adding a pleco to an already heavy bioload makes it that much more difficult to maintain the good water quality conditions necessary to prevent sickness, disease, parasites, and other common health problems for the goldfish.
Kashta is absolutely correct - a 60 gallon tank minimum would be the best option for these goldfish. The pleco can be taken to a LFS or rehomed to someone with a large tropical tank (try craigslist). Craigslist is also a great place to find large tanks. You can try the classifieds here at AC and over at MFK too, where 60 gallon tanks are commonly sold.
I would likely opt for a 75 over a 55 for the extra water volume it can provide. I also agree that the pleco is a non-compatible species with coldwater fish. If the pleco is there to help clean-up, they actually cause more pollution with fecal matter. Simply adjusting the maintenance routine will do more good than adding a pleco.
The argument that the pleco is doing well under these conditions is not valid. Something will end up stressed one way or the other.
The argument that the pleco is doing well under these conditions is not valid. Something will end up stressed one way or the other.
i actually don't think that fancy goldfish should fall into the category of coldwater fish. i had my goldfish without a heater for a while, but after i added one and kept the temp around 75-76 they were much more active. i think they like the warmer water more than cold.
just my opinion/experience
just my opinion/experience
The temp consideration is more a factor of their natural metabolism, crimson. Goldfish do become more active at higher temperatures which probably seems "happier" to you because they're more active and swim around a lot. I can see how that might seem to be a good option for that reason.
However, keeping any fish in a more hyper-active state than is where they should be all the time isn't in the best interest of that fish. This takes it's toll on them over the long term.
irmuddled
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I wonder why one of the most popular fish people get without doing research are the most difficult to keep. I saw this lady who got like 5 common goldfish for a ~4 gal and of course they all died within the week. ;x And it seems like common plecos are the default fish people go for to "clean their tank"... they probably make more waste than they clean.
Anyway, yeah. Try to re-home the pleco and I'd get at least a 55gal for the goldfish, preferably more and splurge on the filtration. They're very very messy.
Anyway, yeah. Try to re-home the pleco and I'd get at least a 55gal for the goldfish, preferably more and splurge on the filtration. They're very very messy.
crimson, it's not necessarily incorrect. It's really a matter of preference and individual needs. Although they will live longer, eat less and produce less waste at colder temperatures, the fish will be less active and more sluggish. But at warmer temps, they reproduce more often, have a shorter lifespan and grow faster.
I wouldn't recommend keeping goldfish at temps above 75 for any extended period of time, but you're correct in that they are not really coldwater fish. Temperate water is more like it. In general, anything between 60 and 75 is fine for goldfish, with 70-75 being the ideal range for fancies.
I wouldn't recommend keeping goldfish at temps above 75 for any extended period of time, but you're correct in that they are not really coldwater fish. Temperate water is more like it. In general, anything between 60 and 75 is fine for goldfish, with 70-75 being the ideal range for fancies.
