Considering a loach

[RandomWiktor]

Ok, here's the deal. I just got a 30 gallon aquarium, and am saving for something 55 gal or bigger (preferably bigger) for when the current fish outgrow. It has two goldfish in it atm, each about 2 inches long. However, it is near enough to a window that I just know algae is going to be an issue. I have a chinese algae eater, but seeing as he needs a much warmer water temperature and will grow up to eat slime coats and eyes, I don't intend on placing him in with them. However, I have heard that there are some cold water loaches who are supposedly compatible with goldfish. They had some in with the goldies at the LFS, spotted dojos I think? I don't trust stores as far as I could throw them, so I was hoping maybe some of you here could offer advice or links on a nice, peaceful loach who might be a good addition to the tank. I want to get a young one to grow up with the two goldfish so that when they need a bigger tank, they'll already be all accustomed to one another and fights hopefully won't be as likely. Any info, input, etc. would be appreciated, even the "OMG don't get a loach you ill researched retard" kind. Thanks!

 

[Alkalineroger]

Hey random,

A friend of mine keeps weather loaches in with a couple of Goldfish and they get on fine.
they pay each other no attention at all.

Roger

 

[black angel]

dojos are great tank mates for goldies but they have to be bigger than the fish or they will become food.

 

[RandomWiktor]

Well thus far, the goldies are only 2 inches

How is the dojo/loach growth rate in comparison to the goldfish? I figured I'd get a loach that is already about 4 inches so the goldies can't pick on him/her too much. However, if the loach will grow exponentially and need the bigger tank sooner, that'd be no good. By the same stretch, if they grow slow and the goldies grow super-fast, I don't want the lil bugger getting eaten.

 

[squeeker]

The dojos will be fine. I've had mine for about 6 months, and they have grown at about the same rate as the goldfish, so far. They are also quicker than the goldfish, so I really don't think the goldfish could catch them (at least not the fancies!)

However, dojos aren't going to do a thing for your algae.

IMO, get a bristlenose pleco. They can tolerate the cooler water, don't get too big (but big enough that they won't get eaten), eat all kinds of algae, and won't rasp on your goldfish. Therefore, I think they are the BEST algae eater to go in a goldfish tank.

HTH!