Problem And Question ( Tropical Coldwater Tank And Pleco )

[x_amber_x]

Hey all
I think a lovely plec would just finish off my aquarium so I need a little advice on which to go for...

Now the problem is.. Ive got (well supposed to have) a coldwater setup which at the mo is running at around 78.F (This may be a dodgy thermometer getting new one on saturday so will update on temp)

and the question is: Id like a nice sized plec, we did have a hillstream loach for a while and would like a change.. so i was thinking something that will max about 8 inches & dont really want to spend more then £20

Tank: 180ltrs/48 gallon (juwel rio 180).. Coldwater (ish lol).. current fishies- fantails, common goldfish, orandas, pearlscale, ryukin.. water parameters all good.

ANY advice greatly appreciated thnx xx​

 

[GoldLenny]

Don't add any more fish to your tank. It's already overstocked.

You don't say how many of each but you list 5 different types of goldfish, including common goldfish which get way too big for a 48G tank. You can't successfully keep 5 goldfish of any type in a 48G tank as they should get much too big. A 48G might be OK for a year or two for 2-3 fancy goldfish depending on the tank dimensions and water maintenance schedule. Goldfish grow at the fastest rate in the first two years and they should be at least 50%-75% of their full size by this time.

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

I wouldn't advise adding anymore fish to your tank, with fancy goldfish it is advised that you have 20 US gallons for the first goldfish and 10gals for every one after that, with non-fancy goldfish like common goldfish its advised that you have at least a 75gallon long tank as these goldfish can grow to over 12inches long. Most fancy goldfish will grow between 5 and 9inches long, all goldfish are heavy waste producers so tank must have strong filtration and water chanegs done a regular basis.

 

[x_amber_x]

Dont worry.. I didnt mention before that all of the goldfish and the shubunkin etc are going into a pond soon. The reason we have so many of them is that my brother in laws tank "broke" and we had to do emergancy adotion of his fish

 

[GoldLenny]

What species of plecos do you have access to or were you going to order online? Even the dwarf pleco's grow to around 6", like a BN (bristlenosed) pleco. Common Pleco's grow much too large for your tank.... 18"+.

If you kept only two of the fancy goldfish in your tank, you could probably handle a BN Pleco as long as you are diligent about doing weekly 25% PWC's, proper filter maintenance and gravel cleaning.

 

[x_amber_x]

I wasnt really sure about which one as I know there are so many, we are going to have a look around at some large stores to see what is available but I thought id come on here and ask the experts first to see what you all think lol I already do 30% water changes etc weekly