Are corydoras compatible with goldfish?

Question
QUESTION: Hi there, I recently bought a tropical 60L biorb aquarium, to replace my old standard aquarium (which is very old and in need of replacing!). I have gradually transferred all my fish over to the Biorb, but have learned that because of the sharp ceramic media used in the Biorb it is unsuitable for corydoras or other catfish. So I don't know what to do with my poor corys! My sister has goldfish and I was wondering if it would be safe to put the corys in with the goldfish? I'm just a bit worried the goldfish might try to gobble them. Thanks so much for your help.

ANSWER: First, when you say media, do you mean the gravel? If so, could you change it? If it is just the gravel at the bottom you are referring too, it can simply be fixed with new gravel. Next, you are right when you fear the corys being gobbled. The goldfish may indeed mistake the corys for food depending on the corys size. If the corys are tiny, under 1 inch, than I would definately not put them with the goldfish. If they are bigger than one inch it is possible. However, keep in mind that corys are tropical fish and require at least a temp of 74 degrees. Goldfish are coldwater fish and like colder water. If you put the corys in the goldfish tank they will not be very happy and will likely die or get a disease or parasite due to the stress of being in such cold water. Also, you cannot put a heater in the goldfish tank as the goldfish do not like warmer water and would not be happy in the warm water just as the corys would not be happy in cold water. If you would like, I would like to know more about the incapatibility of the corys to biOrd tank, I have never heard of this. I would very much like to know the details of this. If it is the gravel, its not a big issue at all and can be replaced with little money. If it is some other reason the corys cannnot be in the tank I would also like to know. If for some reason it is due to something in the tank that cannot be fixed you have one more option. This is to take the corys back to a good local petstore. They would be happy to take in your little corys if you cannot take care of them. This is a good option if there is nothing else you can do. This eliminates the need to flush the corys and does not place them in a tank they do not belong. I hope I have helped you. Please let me know more details on the biorb tank and feel free to ask me any more questions you may have. I hope to help you do what is best for the corys. Some of my fav fish are corys, they have great personalities.

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QUESTION: Hi, thanks for your answer! To explain, the Biorb tank has a undergravel filter and uses special ceramic media. They don't recommend you replace it with gravel as it might get caught in the mechanism. The ceramic media has sharp edges which, they told me, would damage any bottom-dwelling fish such as corydoras. So it seems that contacting the petshop I got them from is the best idea - I love the corys because they have lovely personalities and wouldn't want any harm to come from them. Thanks for your advice.

Answer
I see, thats no fun. I am glad you have found a good place for them. If you cannot take them back to where you got them, I am sure any local petstore would love to have them. Corys are by far amoung my top 5 fav fish. Good luck. Let me know if you have any more questions in the future.