A Few "are These Fish Compatible" Questions

[rainbowcharmer]

I've finally gotten back into fish, and I've started a beautiful 46 gallon bowfront. Right now I've got 3 zebra danios and a rubber mouth pleco. I know that I will have a clown loach, and I'm also planning on a couple of dwarf gouramis. I've also considered a couple of dwarf otos and maybe a cory or two, though none of that is in stone.

Now for the questions...

I have had tanks in the past - a 10G (bred platys) 30 G (Severum, ornate bichir, gouramis ,and various other species) and a 55 G (ornate bichirs - moved from the 30G, oscars, large pleco - 19") that I had to give up when we were faced with relocating across the country. In the past, I've had a beautiful gold severum, as well as a number of other fish. I never once had an issue with my severum being aggressive to any of my other fish (clown loach, gouramis, pleco, betta, platys)... but I went to a few websites in researching what I want for this tank, and they're all saying that severums are pretty aggressive with smaller fish.

I did not realize that was the case.

Perhaps I got lucky with my gold severum in the past? He (she?) was fantastic. Great personality and never bothered my other fish. I'd love to have another, but not at the expense of the rest of my tank. So tips there are appreciated.

In addition to that, I'd like to get either a Dwarf Puffer or a Figure 8 Puffer - but I'm a litte leary with the gouramis and other prettily-finned fish that I intend on keeping. Is this a really bad idea, or if I keep the tank well planted, will the Puffer be OK with the rest of my fish? I think they are adorable, but I won't get one if it's going to terrorize the tank-mates.

Any input welcome!

Emms

 

[stang1]

I'm afraid Puffers are best kept in species only tanks as they will end up nipping the other fish despite having plenty of plants.
Clown Loaches are best kept in groups of 3 or more and ideally needa bigger tank than 46G.
A lot of people have had problems with Dwarf Gourami as they are prone to disease and never seem to last very long. Maybe some Honey or Sparkling Gouramies would be a better alternative as they are peaceful fish.
I can't help on the Severum front so hopefully someone will come along who can.

 

[parker313]

Severums are so awesome, aren't they?! I have kept juvies in my 46g, though a full grown sev can reach 12" so ideally should be in a 55g at the bare minimum. Some sevs are shy and peaceful, some are aggressive - gotta love cichlids

 

[rainbowcharmer]

Hmmm.

I kept my gold severum in the 30 G for the 4 years that I had it. He (she) was about 6" or so, and seemed to be quite happy.

Same with the clown loach. He was a hoot. Played dead, came to say hello at meal time, sneak attacked fish who swam by - though never did damage. Just chased them around sometimes...

Just more to think about I guess.

 

[rainbowcharmer]

Oh - and all but 1 of my previous dwarf gouramis did well too - lasted well over 2 years until I gave the tank up. Whether they survived the move to their new home or not, I'm not sure.

Only one had an issue - and that was the fault of my ornate bichir, before I moved him to the 55 G. He bit this guys tail off, and the fish never did recover from it.

 

[murphyk32]

I LOVE severums and gouramis (and sharks),, i have only had one dwarf gourami and have had him for prolly 6 months give or take some now and have never had one problem, amazing fish, good with calm fish and can hold its own against others, keeps my black sharks and opaline gourami in line when he wants to great guys...