Looking for suggestions for tankmates

Unfortunately I have recently had some fatalities in my tank.

I think the Dwarf Gouramis died due to parasites so i am going to complete the treatment of the rest of the inhabitants just in case.

Once this is done and I'm happy the rest of the tank are settled I will want to add some fish back in.

I have 100 litre corner tank and currently have 2 Honey Gourami, 2 Ram Cichlid and 3 albino cory catfish.

I'm looking for suggestions for good tank mates for the remaining fish.

My water is pretty stable with the following parameters:

pH: 6.8-7.2
ammonia: 0
nitrite: 0
nitrate: <25
kH: 6
gH: >14
tank temp: 24ºC

Any suggestions for fish that would be happy with the other tankmates and that a reasonably hardy (I'm not sure i could take it if anymore passed away in the short term) would be appreciated.

First, can you indicate the unit of measurement for the GH and KH? This will be ppm, dGH, or some other unit. I can't surmise on this, as the numbers given are so variable.

Second, dwarf gourami are risky fish due to disease. Unless you know the source breeder (not the store) this is a species to avoid. I can't say that yours died from the iridovirus, but this is a frequent problem with this species and there is no cure. Best avoided, just so you (and others) know.

I will wait for confirmation of the units of GH and KH before suggesting fish, but one thing to deal with is increasing the cories. Another 3-4 would be advisable, either the same species or another species. The number is the important thing with this fish, and they will always be healthier long-term the more there are, with 5-6 absolute minimum.

Byron.

Thanks for the reply and sorry for the slow response. The KH and Gh are measured in a unit that is represented by a lower case d

I am going to get 3 more Corys based on your advise, I am thinking about getting Peppered Corys to go with my albinos.

I think i'd like a small shole of schooling fish and then something larger perhaps. What do you think?

I am still puzzled over the numbers for GH, KH and pH. Are these your own tests, or from your municipal water authority's site? If your own, which test are you using?

The reason I am going on about these is the variance. Normally the three are closely related. GH is the measure of dissolved mineral in the water, KH is the carbonate hardness, and pH has to do with acidity/basic. Usually water high in minerals (GH) will be quite high in pH. KH is usually close to the GH, though this can vary.

The KH and pH on their own do not worry me for the fish mentioned, but the GH is very high at > 14 dGH (= 250 ppm). This is very hard water, and I would expect the pH to be in the 8's. If this were 14 ppm, it would make more sense.

Byron.

pH only depends on the KH and is independent of the GH. I have lived in a place with pretty low KH (3 dH) and rather high GH (14 dH) before. It's uncommon, but possible.

Personally, I would stay away from anything fast-moving and boisterous, since the Gouramis and Rams can be quite timid. Some less active species of Tetra could work, like the Neon or Cardinal.

Thanks I was thinking about something like Cardinal tetras as i've read that they are reasonably hardy and I'm doing my best to look after these guys but as a novice i don't want to make things more difficult than they have to be.

So maybe 6 Cardinal Tetras and 2/3 peppered Corys to finish off the tank? Any other suggestions?

Also the images show the brand of test and one i did this evening if that helps.

Goody330 said:

Thanks I was thinking about something like Cardinal tetras as i've read that they are reasonably hardy and I'm doing my best to look after these guys but as a novice i don't want to make things more difficult than they have to be.

So maybe 6 Cardinal Tetras and 2/3 peppered Corys to finish off the tank? Any other suggestions?

Also the images show the brand of test and one i did this evening if that helps.

Click to expand...

If I am reading the photo correctly, the GH is around 3 dGH. This is more where I would expect it, given the KH and pH numbers previously and here again. Other members in different threads have, if memory serves me, mentioned the reliability of JBL strip tests, so we can let that rest.

You have soft water that is slightly acidic and will become a bit more acidic as it establishes. Sounds good for the fish species you have. And will be fine for cardinal tetras, and I would suggest a group of 7-9. I like odd numbers, for usually no reason other than aesthetics, as I can "see" four or six fish more obviously in an aquarium.

The larger the group, the less stressed they will be, which not onmly means healthier but a lower impact on the biology. And the additional cories, absolutely, and at least three of the different species.

Byron.

Remember tests strips arent always accurate. Typically not as accurate as a liquid kit. Imo api fw master kit is very good.

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