A Bunch of Questions

[Arashi]

I've decided to start planning my next tanks, but I still have quite a bit of research to do. So for starters, I'd like to ask you all a few questions.

One of the tanks that I would really like to get started on is a Gourami/Clown Loach tank. My main question is, do Gourami's and Clown Loaches get along together? They both seem to be very peaceful species, but I've never kept either so I'm not sure if they are compatible or not. I would also like to add a Spiney Eel (these I have kept before) or two, and so I was also wondering if the Clown Loaches would be ok with the eels? Also, is sand the best way to go with this tank? And are there any species of Gourami that can't be kept together?

I would also like to get a Cichlid tank, a Puffer tank, and a saltwater tank setup as well, but those will have to wait for now.

Thanks for helping me out here guys!

 

[tstenback]

Yes gouramis and clowns get along perfectly. I have 2 tanks that i look after right now that have that exact configuration. Cannot say anything (did i just say that ) about the eel. Have never had one in all these years. I guess im just a conservative kind of guy

 

[Arashi]

Thanks for letting me know that the Gouramis and Clowns will be ok with each other, tstenback. At least I know that I won't have to scrap this idea. It should be one colorful tank.

And eels are really a lot of fun. My last Spiney Eel loved me for some reason. He'd come up to the top of the tank and actually take food out of my hand, which is kind of unusual because I thought that eels were pretty shy. He was such a sweetie.

 

[Arashi]

So, can anyone else answer the rest of my questions, please?

 

[tstenback]

mixing males of different species could cause them to be very aggressive but the females tend to be less so. This doesnt mean you wont have problems but there is a better chance you wont. Still dont know nything about eels

 

[CFC]

The eels loaches and gouramis will all mix nicely, infact it sets you well on your way for a asian biotope tank. Sand would be best as the eels need a soft substrate to burrow in and the loaches would preffer it too. The size of the tank is what will effect how many gouramis you can stock, if you have a minimum of 55g i would say you could have up to 6 of the commonly seen gouramis like Trichogaster trichopterus or Trichogaster leerii provided you go with a large female to male ratio.

 

[Arashi]

Wonderful! Thanks very much tstenback and CFC for answering my questions. I've still got a lot of research to do, but this will definitely help me get started.

Thanks again guys!