Now that I've decided on what filter, heater, substrate, etc I'm ordering for my new 55 gal. tank, I'm starting to narrow down what I want to stock it with. I've read about any thread mentioning gouramis and am a little confused. I think I'd like to stock a community tank with these beautiful fish. So far I've identified the following "candidates" as potential selections.
Pearl gouramis
Dwarf gouramis
Neon Dwarf Blue gouramis
Fire Red gouramis
I'd also love to add a few Sparkler gouramis but have read they might not fare too well around their larger cousins.
In addition to these I'll probably add:
1 - Amano shrimp
3-4 - Otocinclus
3-4 - Panda Corys
Here's the stuff I'm confused about. Some people have written you can have a peaceful community of gouramis...especially with ones like the docile Pearl's. Others say don't mix them due to territorial aggressiveness. I plan to get males due to their great color. Breeding them would be a lot of fun but not something I have the skill or knowledge to be successful at right now.
I need your advice on putting together a good plan.
1) Should I get all males or mix with a 1 male/3 female ratio?
2) Can I mix the varities of gouramis I mentioned?
3) Should I get two of each variety or biger groups of each?
I know I need to be careful not to overstock, so I might not be able to have the variety if larger groups than pairs is better.
Finally, some of these varieties are not stocked in my area and the LFS don't seem excited about ordering what they don't already have. I've checked out several internet based fish stores and was curious if that might be a good option.
Thanks for putting up with another long-winded post. I'm looking forward to hearing what you think. Now, on to getting ready to start a fishless cycle!
Pearl gouramis
Dwarf gouramis
Neon Dwarf Blue gouramis
Fire Red gouramis
I'd also love to add a few Sparkler gouramis but have read they might not fare too well around their larger cousins.
In addition to these I'll probably add:
1 - Amano shrimp
3-4 - Otocinclus
3-4 - Panda Corys
Here's the stuff I'm confused about. Some people have written you can have a peaceful community of gouramis...especially with ones like the docile Pearl's. Others say don't mix them due to territorial aggressiveness. I plan to get males due to their great color. Breeding them would be a lot of fun but not something I have the skill or knowledge to be successful at right now.
I need your advice on putting together a good plan.
1) Should I get all males or mix with a 1 male/3 female ratio?
2) Can I mix the varities of gouramis I mentioned?
3) Should I get two of each variety or biger groups of each?
I know I need to be careful not to overstock, so I might not be able to have the variety if larger groups than pairs is better.
Finally, some of these varieties are not stocked in my area and the LFS don't seem excited about ordering what they don't already have. I've checked out several internet based fish stores and was curious if that might be a good option.
Thanks for putting up with another long-winded post. I'm looking forward to hearing what you think. Now, on to getting ready to start a fishless cycle!
