i have a 65gal 36x18x24 im thinking of putting 2 fancy goldfish not sure of what kind yet and some other fish maybe but im not sure what might be good tank mates im also thinking of adding a longfin pleco but lemme know what yall think and any opinions ?
goldfish tank mates
- Thread starter erraticichlid
- Start date
goldfish are a coldwater species... you CANNOT put plecos in with them... nor can you put any other type of tropical fish in with them...
the only tankmates for goldfish are other goldfish-- keep it that way or your gonna have major problems
the only tankmates for goldfish are other goldfish-- keep it that way or your gonna have major problems
dojo loaches do okay with goldies. Or atleast that is what I have been told, and the source I trust. 
I have yet to try it out, although I intend to.
I would definitely not get the pleco though, as they tend to like slime coating and can do a lot of damage to a goldie.
They can live for quite sometime with them and do no harm and then just suddenly one day... you get the point.
If you want the pleco for algae help, maybe get some snails. They're not as effective as the pleco, but it's better than nothing. That's what I did in my goldie tank. And plus my goldies eat stuff off the bottom all the time anyways.
Just a thought.
I have yet to try it out, although I intend to.I would definitely not get the pleco though, as they tend to like slime coating and can do a lot of damage to a goldie.
They can live for quite sometime with them and do no harm and then just suddenly one day... you get the point.
If you want the pleco for algae help, maybe get some snails.
They're not as effective as the pleco, but it's better than nothing. That's what I did in my goldie tank. And plus my goldies eat stuff off the bottom all the time anyways.Just a thought.
A 65 gallon tank would make an ideal setup for a good number of goldfish, say 2 or 3 large bodied types or even 3 to 4 of the smaller fancies. As a rule, goldfish are very sociable creatures and do better for many reasons with their own kind than with non-goldfish tankmates. That being the case, there are so many different kinds of goldfish and the variety in body size, color, shape, and finnage is quite amazing. So this isn't as restrictive as it may seem at first.
For suitable tankmates other than goldfish... yes, that's very limited due to the unique requirements goldfish have, either in swimming space/water volume, diet, water temp, size, or temperament. But you do have some choices available that are sure bets you can count on not to lead to problems of one kind or another. Those are weather loaches (dojos), apple snails (briggs/diffusas and the like), and white cloud mountain minnows (depending on goldfish type in terms of size).
While many other native species fish from cold water lakes/streams prefer the same cold water temperature range, these need protein-rich foods which, of course, would also be eaten by the goldfish. Goldfish are true gluttons whenever any food is available to them. Too many proteins can lead to digestive problems for the goldies (who require a much more varied diet) and unduly high tank maintenance requirements for the fishkeeper (as excessive proteins passing through undigested would then break down and decay in the water column).
As mentioned already, Plecos would not make a good choice. They are tropical fish who need warmer temperatures and who pose an ever-present risk to goldies due to their natural attraction to sucking on the protective goldfish slime coat and the obvious physical damage that would result. Plecos are also unable to tolerate most medications needed for treatment should the goldfish develop signs of infection, disease, or parasites.
For suitable tankmates other than goldfish... yes, that's very limited due to the unique requirements goldfish have, either in swimming space/water volume, diet, water temp, size, or temperament. But you do have some choices available that are sure bets you can count on not to lead to problems of one kind or another. Those are weather loaches (dojos), apple snails (briggs/diffusas and the like), and white cloud mountain minnows (depending on goldfish type in terms of size).
While many other native species fish from cold water lakes/streams prefer the same cold water temperature range, these need protein-rich foods which, of course, would also be eaten by the goldfish. Goldfish are true gluttons whenever any food is available to them. Too many proteins can lead to digestive problems for the goldies (who require a much more varied diet) and unduly high tank maintenance requirements for the fishkeeper (as excessive proteins passing through undigested would then break down and decay in the water column).
As mentioned already, Plecos would not make a good choice. They are tropical fish who need warmer temperatures and who pose an ever-present risk to goldies due to their natural attraction to sucking on the protective goldfish slime coat and the obvious physical damage that would result. Plecos are also unable to tolerate most medications needed for treatment should the goldfish develop signs of infection, disease, or parasites.
I agree completely with Kashta - she did an excellent job explaining goldfish requirements.
Plecos also make poor companions since many have special requirements like wood in their diet, vegetables (which the goldfish will eat first) or excessive protein. Additionally, the most widely available plecos will grow much too large for a goldfish tank.
Plecos also make poor companions since many have special requirements like wood in their diet, vegetables (which the goldfish will eat first) or excessive protein. Additionally, the most widely available plecos will grow much too large for a goldfish tank.
Been running tropicals with my goldfish for 7 years, no problems. Few months ago I even threw in a koi.76-78 degrees is fine for goldfish