Will Rocks and No Plants Work for Decorations?

Hi all,

Just a quick question. I have a 28g tall bowfront which I vacuum and change water in every Saturday. It seems like every week I am fighting with plants (plastic) that come up while vacuuming.

I was wondering if I set up an environment that was all rocks, driftwood, cliffs, etc., and no plants, would my fish be okay?

I currently have 6 tiger barbs (2"), 1 golden Gourami (2"), 2 Dwarf Redfire Gouramies (1.5"), and 2 South American Bumblebee Catfish (1.5")...still waiting for one of my LFS to get some type of Dwarf Pleco in.

I have no intentions of breeding, but I don't want to create an environment that would stress the fish. It seems that most sites that discuss my fish say things like "planted aquarium" or "lots of plants" are preferred, which is why I am set up with plastic plants (haven't gotten brave enough to try live plants yet ).

Again, I think I can make an amazing "visual" aquarium with no plants...but I am not going to try it until I am sure my fish will be okay...

sarcare said:

Welcome to Aquaria Central!

While plants are not neccesary for fish, your grouping of fish are so not compatible that plants are probably the only way they could possible survive any length of time. I started out with a very similar stocking list--dwarf gouramis and tiger barbs. They seemed to be getting along all well and fine, but then I noticed that the gouramis were chasing each other and nipping each other's fins, and the tiger barbs were chasing the gouramis.

I speak from personal experience, when I say that the fish you have in there will not last long together. Gouramis in particular will look like they are getting along, and then nip each other when you aren't looking.

Plants provide space for your fish to hide in, but really I'd get a different sort of fish that are more compatible, and then they wont need the plants as protection!

Click to expand...

Sigh...I thought I had researched that pretty well. Most sites say 5+ tiger barbs and they don't bother other fish. I have already seen the chasing with the gouramies, but I thought with hiding spaces among the rocks and driftwood (caves, cliffs, etc.) they might be able to hide there like they do with the plants. They have been together about 4 weeks now.

Note, I just think that, haven't seen/read it anywhere. I will take your word on the poor mix, just curious if it takes plants to hide amongnst or the caves and such might work? I guess I'll wait until I can get another tank and move the gouramies first...certainly don't want to try it and kill any fish.

oh, and thanks for the welcome!