Gouramis And Neon Cardinals

[Benunited]

Hi folks

I have 2 male dwarf gouramis together in my tank and in a month or so - all going well - I'd like to add around 5 neon cardinals.

Anyone got any advice as to whether they will make a good community?

I actually went to the shop today to get cardinals but they didn't have any, so I got the two gouramis.

Was informed that while they may become territorial and fight, it doesn't happen on the majority of occasions. Looking at some of the topics below, I'm not liking my chances!

thanks

Ben

 

[Curiosity101]

Yeah, I'd say males are territorial on MOST occasions. But you never know!

What size is the tank? Not only is this the main factor of agression, but it'll also say if the cardinals should fit in with the two boys

 

[Benunited]

I don't like the look of this.

Tank is 30 litres and I'm beginning to question whether 2 male gouramis was a good idea.

The two of them are constantly swimming around the tank with eachother. The thing is the blue one is constantly immediately behind the red/orange one, making me wonder whether he's chasing him.

There is plenty of stuff in the tank to try and give hiding places but I'm thinking my tank is too small for these guys to get on?

 

[Curiosity101]

In my opinion I'd say 30l isn't big enough for dwarf gouramis (not even a lone male/female). I'd also say it's a bit of a squeeze for a honey gourami...

However, if you give the dimensions it'll help both myself and others to make a proper judgement

Eitherways I'd say it's a no no for most tetras I'm afraid. With a 30l you're looking at fish like...
Ember Tetras (Hyphessobrycon amandae)
Chili Rasbora (Boraras brigittae)
Spotted Rasbora (Boraras maculatus)
Sparkling/Pygmy Gourami (Trichopsis pumila)
Normans Lampeye (Aplocheilichthys Normani)

You could make a lovely little tank with a nice sized shoal of any of the fish listed above. The only exception is the Pygmy Gourami, although they like to be in groups they are quite shy fish and don't properly 'shoal' together.

Then for the bottom you could get some pygmy cories? Corydoras habrosus, Corydoras hastatus and Corydoras pygmaeus are the three readily available pygmy corydoras, the normally don't grow past 3cm each.

And some possible centerpiece ideas (baring in mind these wont neccesarily mix with any/all of the above, they're simply to give you some ideas.
Honey Gouramis (Maximum of two, but one would be fine)
Male Betta Splenden

That's about all I can think of to be honest...

I'm in no way saying you have to switch to any of the above. But the above suggestions are more likely to give you happy, peacful fish that wont overload your filter and will therefore hopefully live their full lifespan, and look better whilst they do it!

 

[Joe97]

I have two males too!
They seem a bit wary of each other and the most dominant one sometimes chases the other around but they don't inflict any damage upon each other. My Red Dwarf gouramis are kept with a bronze cory, 2 neons and 5 glowlights and everyone gets on fine