Adding new fish - Compatibility

[CyprusSteve]

SMALL TANK INVENTORY.
Volume in litres: 104
Volume in imperial gallons: 22.879771
Volume in US gallons: 27.476883
External filter - the above is for fish swimming space only.
Existing stock :
4 x Yellow Platy - ( All male - I do not want breeding )
15 x Neon Tetra
2 x Bronze Coryodora.
All fish healthy and happy
I intend to add another species of Tetra - probably 10 x Rummy Nose.Maybe one more Coryodora.
I would like to add maybe one other fish - but, MUST be peaceful, NONE nipping, and, of course, compatible with the existing.
I was thinking of possibly 4 x Red Platy, (male ) - but, would welcome all suggestions.
I do not think this would then be overstocked, but, but, would welcome views.
I had considered rosey barbs, but maybe they would be too active for the others, and have a tendency to nip ?
Possibly the Ramirez - although these are mainly bottom swimmers, I think, and prone to disease ?
The tank is naturally planted, with wood and rock natural features.
Thanks as always,
Steve

 

[GSD]

you definatley need more corys,they need to be in groups of 4 or more

 

[sylvia]

I say get 2 more bronze cories. A small school of 6-8 small tetras (like rummies).

And then I think you should get a pair of bolivian rams (3") or a pair of pearl gouramies(4-5").

Bolivian rams are very similar to the blue/german/gold rams you mentioned you were considering but hardier and a little more boisterous. They are lovely fish and easy to breed as well.

Pearl gouramies are my favourite species of fish and are absolutely stunning. They occupy the top layers so, if you go with these instead of rams, you'll have something to fill out the upper layers. The male will develop long, extended fin rays in its anal fin, a bright orange-red throat and a longer pointier dorsal. The female is wider when viewed from above, deeper-bodied, doesn't have the fin ray extensions and lacks the orange-red though she should still be a lovely mix of delicate colors. Here are some lovely pictures from a thread recently started in the gourami section though the male could get even darker red than that and develop even more filamentous, lace-like rays on the anal fin with time: http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=95724 Aren't they the most lovely fish?

BTW, with the extra 2 cories, 6-8 tetras and pair of larger fish, you WILL be slightly over-stocked. But not so much as to make it impossible to handle just by keeping up with regular weekly water changes and general maintainance.

 

[CyprusSteve]

Thanks
Unfortunately I cannot get the Bolivian Ram here in Cyprus - it is only a small island.
Good advice on the extra cories - thanks.
Yes - The Peal Gourami is beautiful, I agree - I have just done a little research on them and it is suggested to keep females only to avoid bullying - it also warns that they may eat small tetra - has anyone found this ?
How I differentiate berween male and female Gourami is beyond my knowledge, and, the fish shops here tend to just tell you what they wany think you want to hear in order to make a sale - so, I am a little wary, although the idea is a good one. Any thoughts on this ?
This is why I find this forum so helpful.
I could easily move the Platy elsewhere if I decide to go for the Pearl Gourami as my "species" fish so as to avoid overstocking - shame though, as I like the Platy - they are fun.
I follow a strict regime of 10% weekly water change as a minimum, so , I guess I could just keep an eye on them all and move if neccessary .- I like the idea of them swimming at the top level also.
Regards,
Steve
B)