Cardinal tetras are not very hardy fish, so I would not add these until your tank is fully cycled. They also prefer a very acidic pH (Fishbase.org states a pH of 4 to 6 is ideal). While cardinals can survive in a neutral pH, they may not thrive; if you don't have naturally acidic water, you might want to rethink the cardinals.
With the exception of the gourami, the other fish are happiest in large schools; I'd consider six to be a minimum for cories, barbs or tetras. You might want to consider fewer types of fish but bigger numbers. I think a tank full of cherry barbs and nothing else would be uber-kewl, but that's just me. If you wanted some variety, you could get some albino cherry barbs as well--same species.
I have to echo the concerns about the dwarf gouramis, or colisa lalia. I purchased two 'sunset' dwarf gouramis after my tank cycled. One died after about a week. It was fine one day and dead the next. I found it in the bottom of the tank in the middle of a plastic plant. It had a huge red ulcer on its side--it looked like a bloody blowout. This fish had no signs or symptoms of any problems the day before it died. I did some reading and learned that due to inbreeding and other issues, there is a 'dwarf gourami disease' running rampant amongst this species, affecting all the various color variations. Luckily, the other gourami is doing well.
Good luck on your first tank.
With the exception of the gourami, the other fish are happiest in large schools; I'd consider six to be a minimum for cories, barbs or tetras. You might want to consider fewer types of fish but bigger numbers. I think a tank full of cherry barbs and nothing else would be uber-kewl, but that's just me. If you wanted some variety, you could get some albino cherry barbs as well--same species.
I have to echo the concerns about the dwarf gouramis, or colisa lalia. I purchased two 'sunset' dwarf gouramis after my tank cycled. One died after about a week. It was fine one day and dead the next. I found it in the bottom of the tank in the middle of a plastic plant. It had a huge red ulcer on its side--it looked like a bloody blowout. This fish had no signs or symptoms of any problems the day before it died. I did some reading and learned that due to inbreeding and other issues, there is a 'dwarf gourami disease' running rampant amongst this species, affecting all the various color variations. Luckily, the other gourami is doing well.
Good luck on your first tank.
Last edited:
