Question:Because of ammonia levels, I am concerned about what other types of fish can survive with them present.
Answers:
not much other than goldfish.
But you need a big tank, as fancy goldfish will reach 12 inches, so they need at least 55 gallons for 2 goldfish.
Very hardy fish. You probably already know they aren't supposed to be tanked with any other fish, other than goldfish. Ammonia levels might not be high depending on how often you clean the tank or change the water. You never said what size tank you've got, but almost any hardy fish. Corys make good companions with goldfish.. I've got 2 with mine
Hello, first of all goldfish are cold water fish. So you should only think of adding other cold water fish to the tank. Goldfish should be kept in a large tank 30 gallons or larger. If your ammonia levels are high you should do a water change right away, and think about putting your goldfish into larger tank or maybe a small pond.
Well depending on what size tank you have you could have endless options. add more details and i will extended my answer will the fish you could you.
It isn't a matter of ammonia levels that determine which kind of fish go together because, despite the fact that goldfish are bigger waste producers than other types of fish, the fact remains that you MUST ALWAYS assure that your ammonia levels are at 0 ppm, despite the type of fish you have. If your ammonia levels are above, say, .5, you should be concerned for any fish in that water. Goldfish will die just as easily, often times more easily, as any other type of fish with high ammonia levels. What determines which fish can be combined is a matter of water temperature and types of water, i.e., fresh coldwater, fresh tropical water, brackish water or saltwater as well as whether they are considered passive or aggressive, schooling, etc.
So, all of this said, goldfish should only be kept with other goldfish and a few select cleaner fish. The water quality issue, which is maybe what you confused with ammonia, is that, because of their high waste production levels, goldfish require a minimum of 10 gallons of water per fish and, depending on the type and size of goldfish, can require 20 to 40 gallons per fish or more.
There are a number of fish that can live happily with your goldfish. Ammonia in a cycled tank should not be the problem. Goldfish seem to be higher producers of waste since they have no stomachs and do not absorb the foods they eat and just pass them thru their system.
Here is a list of a few of the fish that go well with goldies.
Remember keeping to a weekly routine maintenance schedule and testing the water is your best defence against ammonia.
The most common coldwater fish is the goldfish, followed closely by it's larger counterpart, the Koi. However there are many other interesting fish that do not require a heated tank. Many coldwater fish are large enough that are only suitable for ponds. Since you are planning to set up an aquarium, I've put together a list of fish that are small to medium in size.
Barbs - Several readily available species of Barbs are tolerant of temperatures into the mid sixties, or even lower. All are easy to care for, and are suitable for a community aquarium. They include: the Gold Barb (Barbus schuberti), the Green Barb (Barbus semifasciolatus), the Rosy Barb (Barbus conchonius), and the Two Spot Barb (Barbus ticto).
Bloodfin Tetra - Both the standard Bloodfin (Aphyocharax anisitsi), and the False Bloodfin (Aphyocharax dentatus) tolerate temperatures as low as the mid sixties.
Bloodfins are offered in many pet shops, are easy to care for, and are quite hardy. They are active top dwellers and are best kept in schools.
Buenos Aires Tetra (Hemigrammus caudovittatus) - Easily found for sale, they will tolerate temperatures into the mid sixties. Standard varieties, as well as albino variants can be found. Like the Bloodfins, they are undemanding and easy to care for. They are suitable for a community tank, but will eat live plants voraciously.
Croaking Tetra (Coelurichthys microlepis) - Not often found for sale, they are an attractive fish that is worth shopping around for. Like other coldwater tetras, they are easy to care for and are suitable for community tanks.
Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) - As readily available as any fish, there are many attractive variations of this popular fish.
Hillstream Loaches - Although they are not often seen in pet shops, some species can be found for sale from time to time. Not all of them prefer cool temperatures, but most will tolerate temps that fall into the mid to upper sixties.
Native Fish - A variety of North American native fish are now being sold in the aquarium trade. Virtually all of them tolerate cool water. Availability varies from state to state, as do laws regarding which species may be legally kept in home aquariums. Keep in mind that some will become too large to keep in a standard aquarium.
Pearl Danio (Brachydanio albolineatus) - Like the zebra danio, this fish is very hardy and easy to care for. It will tolerate temperatures into the mid 60's without difficulty, and is easy to find. They are larger than zebras, but need not be kept in schools.
Weather Loach (Misgurnus angullicaudatus) - Readily available, this loach is one of the easiest to care for. Couple that with the fact that it will tolerate temperatures into the fifties, and it makes an excellent candidate for a coldwater tank.
Wimple (Myxocyprinus asiaticus) - Also known as the Freshwater Batfish. Not commonly found, it is an unusual fish that is worth tracking down if you like to have something unique. It will tolerate temps into the mid sixties.
White Cloud Mountain Minnow (Tanichtys albonubes) - One of the easiest fish to care for, a new gold colored variant has become very popular. They do best in cooler temperatures, although very low temps will lessen their attractive coloration.
Zebra Danio (Brachydanio rerio) - Outside of goldfish and the guppy, the zebra is the most readily available of all coldwater fish. They tolerate temps that fall into the mid sixties, and are very easy to care for. Long finned species are available, as well as a popular leopard spotted variety.
There are many other coldwater species I could cover, but the above list should give you enough options to get started. Good luck with your coldwater aquarium
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