Hi Amy,
As Donna has already pointed out, generally goldfish do not belong with tropical fish -- not because they won't get along, but because they have different temperature range requirements. One factor in your favor here is that while Japanese weather loaches (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) are considered tropical fish, only because they'll tolerate up to 80 o as the top temperature of their range, they will also tolerate a low temperature of 40 o. If this is the fish you have, and if this is the only fish you'll be keeping with the goldfish, then this is doable. I'd suggest keeping the tank at 68 o, or "room temperature" since you wouldn't have a heater with it, but I wouldn't necessarily maintain it much cooler even though the goldfish may enjoy it even better. Most people keeping goldfish in the aquarium have them only at room temperature, which is most often at near 68 o on the average and not too often much less even though some people do set their thermostats a bit lower.
On the subject of gravel, why would you not consider smallish medium natural gravel in place of your biggish medium gravel? This would be perfect for your weather loach. In the aquarium trade, this is considered #3 commercial grade gravel, with the grains being about 1/16" diameter -- and it's considered "medium." This would eliminate the problem of compacting of the substrate, as with sand, and eliminate any build up of gases as a result of it. It would also eliminate the problem of it being ingested, and you wouldn't have to limit it to a 1/2" deep. I would not recommend sand.
Ray
--- In tropicalfishclub@yahoogroups.com, froggylover2425 <no_reply@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Everyone,
>
> I am setting up a tank in the near future and trying to decide on a substrate, of course the most practical is bare borrom, But i have a weather loach who just loves rumaging around at the bottom of the tank. I have biggish medium natural gravel at present and i dont think he likes it much.
>
> Although i do have goldfish in with him. They all get on fine. Im thinking of sand, but have come across many varying views. Just wondered if there are any real problems with sand for goldfish and a loach. I have heard about the gases, and it needs stirring once a month or more, under half inch thick and possible impaction of eating it. If i go for sand will keeping it under half inch stop the gas build up or is it still possible even with stirring and being under half inch.
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> Any advice much appreciated.
>
> Thanks
> Amy x
>
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