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Hi everyone,

I recently purchased a 29 gallon tank, and have put the following fish in the tank:

1 Fan tail goldfish
1 Black Moor
1 Pleco
2 feeder goldfish (for cycling and will be removed shortly)

I'd like to consider adding a loach to this tank. Do you have any recommendations on the best type of loach for this tank configuration??

HW

Those fancy goldfish need a 55g aquarium at least. You shouldn't add anything else untill you rehome those fish.

To be honest, all of the fish you bought will eventually outgrow that tank. Goldfish get much bigger than one might think, and plecos easily reach a foot and a half. Here is a nicely-sized goldfish, to emphasize my point:


I'd remove all of the fish you have, before adding any more. Afterwards though, your options are wide open. You could add six yoyo loaches, or the same number of kuhli loaches. You could also add some dwarf cichlids, or gouramis, tetras, barbs, danios, rasboras, etc. Take a look around your local fish store, and see what appeals to you. Write these fish down, then bring your ideas over here. We can help you plan your tank.

Welcome to the site![/font]

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

Hi everyone,

Thanks for the advice. I have to admit I'm thoroughly confused now though.

While I appreciate the fact that these goldfish will grow (and substantially), I can't imagine that the growth rate is so great that they will outgrow a 29 gallon tank in the near future (1-year time frame). The fish posted above is many years old. The fish that I have are tiny, and it will take them years to reach that size. Why then is it not feasible to keep them in my tank? By the standards posted by my tank manufacturer, I'm well within my tanks' hosting capacity limit. In fact, according to these standards, the tank has the capacity to host a loach (hence my original question)as well, provided I perform regular water changes and have sufficient filtration (which I do). My chemical levels are well within recommended limits. I'd appreciate some more input as to why you are recommending that I return these fish, beyond growth potential?

It is my intention to upgrade to a larger tank in the next year; something in the 75-100 gallon range. At that point, the goldfish will be moved to the larger tank. My feeling is that the setup I have is more than sufficient until then. If not, maybe I'll consider getting the big tank now.

Thanks for your input, I really appreciate it.

HW

Actually, the fish posted above is two years old (well, he was two when the photo was taken, he's four now).

-Molly
Visit shelldwellers.com!

Wow, that's pretty crazy.

Is the growth rate of the Oranda (which I believe the one in the picture is) the same as a Fantail?? My understanding is that the Fantails don't grow quite as large as the Oranda. Is this correct?

HW


Last edited by Hawg Wobbler at 15-Nov-2004 08:21

the comets can grow up to 30 inches.
Black moore up to 7 inches.
Ryukin up to 6inches+
Fantail up to 8 inches
Lionhead up to 5 inches
Bubble eye up to 6 inches
Pearlscale up to 5 inches
Oranda up to 5 inches
Common gold fish up to 40 inches
Telescope eye up to 5 inches
Shubukin up to 25 inches
Celestial eye up to 6 inches

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I know human beings and fish can co-exist peacefully.

comets... and any other goldfish can grow "only" up to 14 inches. Still big for an active fish. I think you're confusing them (Carassius auratus) with common carp (Carpinus carpio), which can get to 48 inches And the rounder ones don't get as long, but would probably end up weighing the same.

Last edited by superlion at 15-Nov-2004 09:05

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superlion..in a tank yes..but they get that big in ponds and lakes..belive me...i have been to a small lake nearby my place and i have seen some huge common goldfish and comets...i will take some pics next time..so you will see

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I know human beings and fish can co-exist peacefully.

And as a proof that list posted above short-changes fancy goldfish sizes - Bruce (the oranda posted above, who according to that list should have topped out at 5" was 15" long at the time of the photo and is bigger now.
Orandas grow somewhat slower and smaller than fantails, generally. Fantails are one of the least "messed with" of fancies, and therefore have the potential to get very nearly as big as a common goldfish, with a LOT of mass to go with it.

Last edited by LittleMousling at 15-Nov-2004 13:58

-Molly
Visit shelldwellers.com!

You should be able to keep the two fancy goldfish and the pleco safely in the larger tank you mentioned, especially if it's a 100 gallon. The fancy goldfish don't get quite as large as common goldies, so you won't have any size issues.

As for eventually adding loaches, that depends on the species. Loaches are peaceful fish, and (depending on the species) can be quite active and boisterous. They prefer the company of their own kind, and it is recommended that they be kept in groups of at least three. Some loaches get quite large, but others, such as the kuhli and yoyo loach, only reach about four inches. You should safely be able to keep three of either loach in the 29 gallon, provided you move the other fish somewhat soon. Afterwards, you can add even more loaches, and other types of fish as well.

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

Wow! Those are some big fish!

I don't keep gold fish but I do keep loaches. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it true that goldfish are cold-water fish and loaches are tropical? I guess it's possible there may be some overlap in the possible temperature ranges for the two, but if so I'm not aware of it.

And hello and welcome, wobbler. You've come to the right place for advice on all things fishy!