how many dwarf gourami can I keep in 10 gallons tank

[gourami5]

Hi,

I am a newbie and I just started a 10 gallons tank two weeks ago, currently I have four dwarf gourami in the tank (neon, power blue, rainbow and flame red all males) and a cory catfish to clean the food that might drop to the bottom. Even though I read they might be aggressive toward each other, all of them seem very peaceful except during the feeding time, when they sometimes chase each other.(so that they can get more food, i guess). So right now 10 inches of fishes in my 10 gallons tank. (4*2inches gourami + 2 inches cory(right now the cory is about 1 inch)).

My question is can I add one more dwarf gourami to my tank or is it too much? I am thinking about adding blue coral dwarf gourami(to complete all colors varieties) and I do not want to change to a bigger tank. Thanks in advance.

[Kissofthegorami]

Keep it at the four. I think u have reach capacity. Cories like to be in groups. I would suggest u get one or two more cories and thats it. You will find that your cory will be much more active. Make sure the cories get food too.

[stingray4540]

Don't get anymore. And watch your gouramis to see if any are getting ganged up on. You might have enough in there that they won't bother each other too much, just keep any eye on them. And for future reference, the inch per gallon rule isn't really the best way to stock your tank. With that much stock make sure you do frequent water changes and that you have a good filter.

[gourami5]

Guys,
Thanks for your reply. I do have one more question. what happen if I overload the capacity of the tank(not that I am going to do it)? is that amonia and nitrate level that I need to worry about or is there other reason? kiss of gourami, you mentioned adding a couple of cories, so if I remove the cory from the tank, can I add another gourami? I am not being an a*s, I just wanted to complete the color varities of my gouramies. Thanks again. You have been very helpful.

[Kissofthegorami]

No, no more gouramies. There are a few reasons why over crowding is bad. One is the waste produced. Your ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels will be unmanagable and its really easier on you and your fish to have a well-balanced aquarium. Too many fish will stress the fish out and cause aggressive behavior. This is especially true with gourami. Dwarf gouramie males.. which is what you have fight, especially when crowded. A ten gallon is a small tank. I personally would do two dwarf gourami and 4 cories. Right now you are full to capasity and might be able able to get away with adding one or two more cories depening on the species. Your group of cories should always be of the same species.

[gourami5]

got it. Thanks KOTG.

[stingray4540]

Just a side note, if you plant your tank it will handle the bioload you have a lot better, not that you should add that last gourami, but the plants will help you manage all those ammonia and nitrates. just an idea, you could trade in that corie for a handfull of amano or ghost shrimp since they seem to contribute less to the bio load. Or go get yourself a 20 gallon so you can get that last gourami.

[gourami5]

Thanks Stingray. I decided to be content with 4 colors of gouramies for now. :-(

[stingray4540]

Your welcome:) Sorry about your situation, good luck.

[stingray4540]

Oh yeah, I forgot to metion that I think there are 2 more dwarf gouramis. The chocolat and the honey so you would definately need a bigger tank to get all varieties.

[gourami5]

Hi Stingray,

I try to read about chocolat and honey gouramies, as far as I can found out, they are different spicies from dwarf gouramies(different scientific names). Anyway, as you guys has mentioned, my ammonia level is very high and I am doing 25-30% water change every day and also using Amquel+ to reduce the ammonia level. And this evening, I started seeing in some fishes some red(prob blood) on the fin near the gills. I read some article on the net which suggest that it is ammonia poisoning. Is there anything else I can do to save them? Thanks

[Roan Art]

If you just started that tank 2 weeks ago, then that tank is not even cycled yet. The last thing you need to worry about is adding more fish.

Please read the sticky at the top of this forum on cycling:

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26051

Start changing you water at least 50% every day and get the ammonia and nitrites down to 0 or you will lose the fish you already have.

Unless you have already invested in one, buy a liquid test kit -- not strips -- and start testing daily for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates.

If you want more gouramis *after* this tank has cycled, you will need a bigger tank. IMHO those four shouldn't be in a 10gallon. Right now they are babies and as they get older may start to become more territorial and fight.

Roan