[Neil D]

Hi guys,

I have a 38g tank available for use and I am looking to stock it after a fishless cycle. I really like gouramis. I was wondering how many i could put in this tank? I've seen many different pages here and else where online and can't come to a definite conclusion. Should my tank have 2 females to a male? Two males? A mated pair? Two females? Does it not matter if the tank is heavily (and artificially) planted?

Also how are they with other species? (Tetras, barbs etc. I know these are fin nippers, just wondering though)

 

[jaysee]

I said in your other thread that you could keep one 3 spot gourami in that size tank. They are pretty aggressive with their own kind - I would not attempt to keep a pair in less than a 4 foot tank. They can also be aggressive to tank mates, particularly in a smaller tank. I would stock the tank as a semi aggressive community, if you put a 3 spot in it. Depending on the tank dimensions, a semi aggressive community may not be a good idea.

 

[Neil D]

Okay, yeah. I just started this thread because I didn't plan on asking about gouramis over there haha

Thanks, and I'm leaning towards honey gouramis anyway.

 

[fish monger]

Agree with Jaysee on the three spot. They can be relentless in chasing a weaker gourami or other tankmates. I have 3 of them in a 4 foot 55 gallon (1 male, 2 females). They get along quite well in that tank; however, when I had them in a 3 foot tank, the chasing was pretty excessive. You might try one of the dwarf varieties. The powder blue variety is a really nice looking fish.

 

[Neil D]

Speaking of dwarfs, how is their temperament with other dwarf gouramis? (ie how many to a tank)

 

[fish monger]

They're certainly not as aggressive as the three spot but, my experience has been that there is usually a pecking order with gourami and there will be some chasing. You could probably do 3 in your tank. There are even smaller varieties like the croaking and sparkling gourami. You could research those to see if they fit your plans.

 

[Neil D]

Alright that seems cool...3 dwarfs (I assume their sex doesn't matter?)

Can I also mix? (e.g. dwarf with 2 pearls)

 

[jaysee]

Alright that seems cool...3 dwarfs (I assume their sex doesn't matter?)

Can I also mix? (e.g. dwarf with 2 pearls)

Dwarf and honey are two different species.

If I were going to mix gouramis, pearl and honey would be the mix I would do. Based on my experience with each (independent), I would not expect a problem provide the tank were of adequate size, which yours is border lining in my opinion. There's a chance it might not work out, but I believe the chances are better that it will....


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[Neil D]

Oh yeah I know dwarfs are different from honeys haha. They're also a bit smaller. I'm fairly certain it will either be 3 pearls or 1 pearl and 2 honeys. Also with a bunch of rasboras.

 

[fish monger]

The pearls are full size gourami; however, they're one of the most peaceful. I think I'd still be tempted to go with one male and two females or all females if yor're going to mix them.

 

[Neil D]

Do you mean "mix them" as in different species of gourami?

Even with pearls (which is currently my plan) I intend to get 1 male and 2 females if I can.

 

[jaysee]

Pearls are easily sexed by their dorsal fins. I've not seen them for sale too small to tell.


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[Neil D]

yup I got that!
Females: round fins, especially dorsal.
Male: pointed fins (Dorsal), orange throat area, and their anal fin has points, right?

Last question (for now):

Should I put the gouramis in first or rasboras? I was thinking gouramis because I might change my mind about the rasboras...

 

[jaysee]

Yes, those are the differences. I would start with fish that you are sure of

 

[Neil D]

Great! Now all I gotta do is...

Get the background on the tank
Get the gravel in the tank
Get the plants
Get them in the tank
Fill up the tank
Get the new filter stuff for the filter
Get the filter in the tank
Make sure the heater works. Heat up the tank.
Get the fish.
Put the established bacteria in the filter/substrate
Acclimate the fish
Put the fish in
And wait.

 

[Neil D]

Well, I thought you might appreciate an update.

The tank is pretty much all set up. There are pictures in my aquarium log. It's heavily planted with floating (artificial) plants. After an informative post by Byron, I apparently can go with the cardinal tetras, which is my plan. So 20-30 cardinals for sure. I'm still deciding between pearl gouramis or a dwarf. GAH DECISIONS.

So decor: check. heat: check. Filter: check. YAYAYAY!