20 gallon danio/guppy question

[lilmommy66]

Hello. We are 7 weeks into a new tank setup. We cycled with (7) Zebra Danios per the clerk at lfs. Tonight we went in to purchase additional fish. We had intended on adding 2-3 guppies, but he said we'd have to get the danios out first. Is this correct? We purchased (2) Flame Dwarf Gouramis tonight, and added them, and they are doing well. If it is true that we can't add guppies (we've gotten attached to the danios), what else could we add that would get along with the danios and the gouramis? We liked the scissortail tetras, but the shop was closing, and the clerks were in a hurry. Any suggestions? I also would like to add (2) otos (which that particular store doesn't carry), and a couple of ghost shrimp. We also have a ramshorn snail who is so easy-going, he gets along with everybody. I sure would appreciate anyone's help!

 

[johnnyxxl]

I kept in my 20 gallon tank many years ago before my brother killed all of my fish while I was in college. 20 guppies, 15 zebra danios, 2 blue gouromi's and a number of other odd balls, cory cats, kulhi loaches and a few platties. They all got along great for 3 or so years before college, my brothers lack of care to the tank is what killed them. :laugh:

 

[dwayne]

Zebra danios stick mainly to the top layer of the tank. Guppies are mid level. They are both peaceful fish, and CAN live together in a tank. I've had guppies and danios together without one single issue. Get the guppies!

~Tara

 

[daveedka]

I can't imagine why your clerk would think danios and guppies wouldn't work well together. Zebra Danios are about as compatable of a fish as there is and guppies are about the same. The only real drawback to danios is they are high speed which unnerves some fish and fishkeepers. Guppies are also pretty busy guys and won't mind the danios zipping around the tank. I'd get at least 3 females to every 1 male guppy or go male only. the males are relentless in their affections, and will not give a female any releif. Danios may eat the baby guppies, but trust me that really is a good thing when it comes to guppies. it's not uncommon to wake up in the morning and be the proud owner of 200 guppies in a 20g tank.
Dave

 

[LongTime]

I have to agree with everyone else. I have fond memories of my guppy/zebra danio tank, along with just about every air driven action ornament around at that time, back in the dark ages when I first started keeping fish.

Like daveedka said, the male guppies are "relentless" and that is being polite. Sometimes I think the female guppies relish in interuption of danios chasing each other through the tank just so she can get away from the amorous male.

 

[razz]

not just to be the odd man out but ihave to say i wish inever added my zebra danios to my tank they chased one of my serpea tetras to death right while i was watching. and they have all my other fish on edge and they even go to the bottom of my tank and chase my ottos and my cories. my tank is planted so icant catch them unless i take apart the entire tank