Goldfish Companion

[cindyterry33]

I have a 55 gal tank with a 10inch Oranda that is about 9 years old. -I've had him a very long time. Everytime I try to put a younger, smaller goldfish in with him, they nibble at him or nibble the ends of his tail - it is very very long. He doesn't swim very fast at all - (age, length of fins?) I've tried other orandas and fancy tailed goldfish. He used to have a tank mate named Black Jack (black moor) that he got along with but it was as big and old as he was - it died - I think of old age. He perks up when I put a new fish in until they start pestering him. He eats good and seems healthy. He often lays on the bottom of the tank - he swims around a few minutes and then lays down for a few minutes. I have to keep the water current cut way back. He does this all day until night and then he lays on the gravel most of the night. When he isn't allowed to rest like this he gets stressed and comes down sick. Any suggestions as to potential tank mate?
Water Parameters:
Ph 7.8
Amonia: 0
Nitrites: 0
Nitrates: 20
Planted tank.
Hardness: Moderate
Inhabitants: one Oranda

 

[Davo86]

How about a trio of weather loach?

 

[tropic_john]

stock your tank like this;

current fish
3 weather loaches
some pond snails and/or apple snails
A plec [like l002 or bristlenose plecs.]

I would recommend white or gold cloud mountain minnows but they would get eaten and are fast swimmers and energetic - not good for your fish.

 

[jennybugs]

I was going to suggest a bristlenose too I have a small one in with my fancies and they all live happily together.

Any chance of some piccies of your oranda? He sounds wonderful

 

[cindyterry33]

I was going to suggest a bristlenose too I have a small one in with my fancies and they all live happily together.

Any chance of some piccies of your oranda? He sounds wonderful

I've seen a lot of goldfish but he is the most beautiful I've ever seen. I'm sorry though I don't have a camera. Thanks for the suggestions of tank mates.

stock your tank like this;

current fish
3 weather loaches
some pond snails and/or apple snails
A plec [like l002 or bristlenose plecs.]

I would recommend white or gold cloud mountain minnows but they would get eaten and are fast swimmers and energetic - not good for your fish.

Thank you for the suggestions - I think I will get a snail and some loaches - if I can find a couple at my local pet smart.