Gourami stocking question

[Ed Filip]

I saw another posting on Blue Gouramis, but I didn't want to hijack that thread and so started my own.

I was thinking of adding some Gouramis to be the larger showcase fish in my tank, but now I am confused as to how many to get. Here are my specs:

20 gal high
Well planted

1 silvertip tetra
3 cherry barbs
3 african glass catfish
3 cory cats
2 otto cats


I figured I should add the Gouramis last to let the other fish establish their territory first so that the Gouramis won't pick on the new guy all the time. I was thinking 2 small Pearls would be a good number so as to not overstock the tank. But Roan said 4 was the magic number. Would that still be the case with a 20 Gallon? I dont' think I could fit that many. And if I did, I would want to mix species up, such as 2 pearl and 2 honeys or 2 pearls and 2 dwarves. Would that still be bad? What if I picked up only some females? What would be the right gender ratio? (I'm guessing that stores only have males for color, though.)

Any advice would be great.

Thanks,
Ed

 

[phanmc]

1 if you want to be safe. You can try 2 pearls but they may get aggressive towards each other if they're both males. I'd advise against getting more than 2 in a 20g tank.

 

[Celeste]

pearls also get about 4-6 inches long. i'd go with one gourami and maybe a couple more silvertip tetras

 

[aquariumhobyist]

since your tank is well stocked, i would go with one female blue gourami because males tend to be more agressive and defend there territory more strictly.

 

[pbrack]

I would only add a few cories or tetras since I think your tank is very close to being overstocked.