[GOURAMIKEEPER83]

While, I am waiting for my tank to cycle I figured I'd use this time to get some suggestions for a community tank with a species or two of gourami's as my main attractions. I have a 30 gallon tank with undergravel filter. I would like opinions that offer alot of color, not too expensive, and entertaining(active swimming or school fish). Right now I will have to settle with about fifteen fish. I will get more eventually after purchasing a power head for my filter. I will appreciate any and all suggestions no idea will be a bad one. Need help because I find it hard to choose due to the fact that I'm really new to the hobby and have not really looked into the many different types and varieties.

[Calmwaters]

I have a 44 gallon that I am cycling right now and when it is done I am going to possiable have 4 Dwarf Gourami, 4 Honey Sunset Gourami, 3 Cory Cats, 6 Harlequin Rasbora Tetra, 6 Black Skirt Tetra, and 6 Buenos Aires Tetra you could maybe do the same thing with a few less fish or with out one of the breeds I choose. They are all compatable as far as there ph, tempature and water hardness needs and are all classified as community fish. I have spent almost all day researching them and they are readly avaliable and none are over $6.00 a fish with the Gouramis being the most expensive. Good luck in your search.

[GOURAMIKEEPER83]

Thank you Amanda. I will look into these breeds of fish and research them. I appreciate you getting with me on this issue.

[Calmwaters]

A very smart person on here pointed out to me that the Dwarf Gourami are not a very hardy fish and suggested to me to go with the Pearl Gourami perhaps you would like to check into the Pearl also. Google info on Dwarf Gourami disease if you would like to verify what he told me. It really is a shame that the dwarf is not as healthy as they use to be because they are such a beautiful fish. Good luck and let me know what you decide and how it turns out.

[Catlady]

I have had luck with Dwarf Gourami in my community tank. I had one that was beautiful and I enjoyed watching him for almost a year so I thought he would enjoy some friends. I added two more and found all three of them dead after two days. Not sure what happened.

I am in the process cycling a new tank right now and I know for sure I want one dwarf. I am interested in what suggestions you guys have as well because I do like gourami!

[ironside]

Hello Gouramikeeper83
I would strongly suggest the Trichogaster leeri, Pearl Gourami. I breed them here for many years and are the only totally peaceful gourami of them all.
I read somewhere else that only one male can be present in the group and I say this a complete nonsense. My 360 litre has at this moment, 10 gorgeous youngsters together.
My breeding tank has always three males and three females and they go along very well, without one occurence of violence; in fact, the colour display is stunning and they "compete" with each other to show the best attire possible.
For me, its the most beautiful of all aquarium fishes, including Discus.
Given excelent nutrition, a well balanced aquarium and enough space, they are splendid to see and easy to keep.
Good luck!
John

[GOURAMIKEEPER83]

Ironside I appreciate your help on this subject. I will surely go with a Pearl Gourami what else would go good with them any suggestions?

[ironside]

Yes. of couse. A long time ago I bred this lovely little beauty, the Colisa chuna and I regret bitterly not beeing able to find true chunas here in Rio de Janeiro to have them again. A real eye-catcher. I don't like big fishes. Leeri's are the upward limit in size. You can try also the Trichogaster pectoralis but they are not as stricking as the other ones. The Colisa lalia and the cobalt blue variety are also very beautiful. They are lovely with a background of tall and strong Vallisnerias.
Hope you have success!
John

[nicolaas]

I'll also go with the Pearl Gourami, fish I keep mine with and kept with are, 1 rain bow shark,1 pleco,1 dwarf and 2 moonlight gouramis,flame tetras,silver dollars and a black ghost knife fish.Don't keep with fin nippers and molly's

[jennybugs]

I'm thinking of getting a pair of Pearl Gourami soon. Beautiful fish. It's nice to hear they come highly recommended!