catfishlover123

Which do you think I should get, a pleco or a goldfish for my 55 gallon tank? Both seem great, but I know they don't mix.

Amanda

Would the pleco be the only thing in the tank? A common pleco can reach monstrous size, and even a 55 gal. is pushing it. There are smaller plecos that only reach 4 - 5 inches.

catfishlover123

I do know that but I am just wondering which is better. I also want to add more tropical fish in my tank.

Nick G

If you want tropical fish then get a Pleco as Goldfish are Coldwater. Although if you're wanting a community tank then I'd go for a Bristlenose Pleco as they only grow to about 6inchs. A common Pleco will be Ok in a 55gal but you'll need an excellent filtration system and need to do regular water changes as they are VERY big waste producers. Oh and they'll destroy any live plants you have.

inuyasha_lover_21

Ok both will give off high ammonia levels but if you get a BN pleco (bristlenose). then you will be able to add tropicals. Goldfish are cold water.

catfishlover123

But can goldfish live in a tank with a heater? The closest petstore to me only sells common plecos and I will not buy any plecos off the internet. So you can't keep fish with a fully grown common pleco?

Amanda

Not in a 55 gallon tank. Common plecos really thrive when in larger tanks, 75 gal. +. They can live in a 55 gal, but they do not thrive as well. Plus, they are HUGE waste producers.

inuyasha_lover_21

Goldfish can and will get big. You wont be able to keep them with smaller fish as they might eat them.

catfishlover123

Oh! Then I guess it will be the only fish in my 55 gallon tank then. But now I am thinking of adding goldfish to my 55 gallon tank instead of a pleco.

Nick G

A goldfish can live in a heated tank but it's not humane. They are Coldwater fish. You could live in a sauna but it wouldn't be nice would it? You can keep other fish with a common pleco but I wouldn't do it if you want a community tank,the Pleco will grow to about 12-18 inchs and wreck everything in the tank just by swimming around.

catfishlover123

I won't be keeping tropical fish. I am only keeping coldwater fish.

Nick G

Okay then, you could keep 4 or 5 goldfish comfortably in a 55gal.

Amanda

That should be fun & interesting. Not many people keep goldfish, I'm actually considering them myself.

catfishlover123

Well, that's great! Goldfish are so nice! My friend has an oranda that is in such a tiny tank that sometimes it lives in it's own waste! I hope they bought a pond and put him in it.

Amanda

Some goldfish can get quite large, just keep that in mind when stocking your aquarium.

catfishlover123

I know. I might keep some orandas and if possible, some fantails.

catfishlover123

I might be keeping two calico shubunkins, a moor goldfish, an oranda and a calico ryukin goldfish. Do they mix well?

Nick G

Yeah they'd be fine together

catfishlover123

That's great!

MeGustaUnaPez926

Remember, the rule of thumb for stocking goldfish is 20 gallons for the first, 10 gallons for each additional, so I'd say 4 goldfish would be very nice. And have you considered taking in your friends oranda and giving him a nice home?