What size tank is it? "Algae eaters" are not needed if you maintain a good balance in your tank and definitely should not be added to a new tank in which they may starve or turn to other foods and likely bypass any future algae altogether. Most plecos sold get far too large for most aquaria and smaller types benefit from a mature tank. Nerite snails and amano shrimp would likely work depending on your stocking plans. No need to add anything "just in case" IMO.
What size tank is this?
That's just shy of 50g. IMHO you don't really have room for the fancies let alone another fish. If the fish are fairly young the tank size would be fine until they grow.
I agree with HN1. Tanks don't need algae eaters and adding one to a new tank could cause the fish to starve. It's usually not advised to add plecos to fancy goldfish tanks. There has been stories of them attaching to the slower moving fish such as fancies causing 'hickies'.
I dont really want to get rid of any as I have become rather attached.
I'm sorry if you felt insulted. I don't think you're mean, I just think you lack the proper knowledge for keeping this species of fish. We've all been newbies. We've all made mistakes.
But here's the thing about fishkeeping. It's about the fish, not us. It's about what they need to keep them in the best physical condition possible. One of those things is the proper size tank. I've had to give up my share of beloved fish that didn't work out due to size or temperament.
As for how many you can keep. I'm not a goldfish keeper. I know the size range between species is huge. Hopefully, someone with more knowledge about the species you have will come by and give their advice.
Rubyfox said:Sorry its a 260L , I already have my fancies and had them for a long time in a smaller tank there all smallish apart from my fantail. I dont really want to get rid of any as I have become rather attached.