i waz just wondering but why arent common pleco's allowed with goldfish, in my pond the algae grows very fast so i put common pleco's in it and they dont bother, plus another 10 gallon tank with three goldfish and i have one common pleco??????

Levi

The reason is common pleco's are more likely to suck on the slime coat of a goldie, paticularly at night when the goldfish are sleeping. I've seen it happen with my own fish years ago. The pleco would not leave my big oranda and ryukin alone. Both of the guys had reddish, raw looking areas from where the pleco had latched on to them. A bristlenose or rubbernose pleco is much safer to have with goldies.

If you have 3 goldfish and a pleco in a 10 gallon tank, I strongly suggest that you get a larger tank soon. The minimum space for healthy goldies is 10 gallons per fish for fancies and 20 gallons per common or comet goldfish. You could also use a large rubbermaid container if a larger tank is not a possibility

Thanks for answering my question!!! I will move the fish in about two dayz that is just a temporary home my red fantails are just babies about three inches in length but i kno exactly wat you mean about 10 gallons inst enough!! How much is the cost of rubbernose pleco???? once again thanx for answering

Levi

I'm not sure, I've never seen one for sale at my local fish stores. All they ever have is common plecos. Hopefully someone that has a rubber or bristlenose pleco will see this post and say how much they spent.

My bristlenose plecos were about $6. I got my first one at Petco but then I found them at my favorite fish store. You'll know one when you see it. I would find new homes for the common plecos. Also, 3 inches is a pretty good sized goldfish, not really a "baby". As br553 stated, youll need a bigger tank ASAP.

I paid about 5 a piece for mine. But they are only about an inch long. I had to have them shipped cause one one here or around here had them.

well.... at petsmart, where i work, there are several different varieties of plecos.
the smaller ones are all around $5 or so. but if you want a bigger one i think its about $9, but im not certain.

i bought my ruber lip for $4 and the albino bristles 2 for $10. i like the bristle alot better becuase they eat more algea

with the petsmart i thought it was 2$ smal 5$ large?

About a year or so ago, I was searching hard for a rubberlip or bristle nose pleco with no luck. I did find a albino choclate pleco, which someone around here said would be safe with my goldies.

However, Rick from the goldfish connection just told me that NO pleco is safe with goldfish.

I have 3 plecos in with my goldfish, and have had no signs of any problems. But I'm not sure what kind of plecos they are. I guess I better keep my eyes open!!

hi ppl im kinda new to this site....I purchased and aranged ma fish bolw few days ago I put a common pelco thinking it might help to keep ma tank clean seems to be like its just gonna heart ma young and pritty goldies

oh yes the common pleco will love sucking on the slime coat of your goldies. how big is your tank?

bristlenoses are prolly the best because they gare the most relaxed and are one of the best fish for removing the algae and they dont get giagantic like the common can.

plus common plecos will get carnivorous as they become bigger and bigger