Seeking suggestions for a colorful tank mate(s)

[1L19]

I have a 55 gallon tank with mopani wood (red), silk plants (dark and light green) and a Mexican pebble substrate that is mostly black with some red. Currently I have 4 false julii corys, about 15 neon tetras and 4 sunset honey gouramis which are basically the same color as the mopani wood. I would like to switch out the gouramis for something a lot more colorful but avoiding any sort red or dull coloring.

To be honest I would love to add some tiger barbs to the tank but the internet is insanely polar regarding this pairing (neons). Either they are the worst mates in the world and the tiger barbs will literally eat the fins off the tetras or the are fantastic tank mates because the neons are small, quick and not really bothered. If had confidence in the match I wouldn't even post this and I'd be in the fish store right now. However it seems more prudent to consider all options before going that route.

So I'm looking for very colorful fish I could add to give my tank some pop. Guppies are pretty small and I'd love some variety in size. Glofish are a consideration but I'd prefer a more "natural" look. I'd even consider a mix of singles like a dwarf gouramis and a german ram or something like that. Just looking for any fun ideas someone might have.

Thank you for your thoughts!

 

[Rocky998]

I'm not going to recommend any fish as I don't want to give false information and then mess something up for you but I do want to say that your aquarium look incredible!
Stunning piece of wood! And fake or not those plants look great in that placement

 

[1L19]

I'm not going to recommend any fish as I don't want to give false information and then mess something up for you but I do want to say that your aquarium look incredible!
Stunning piece of wood! And fake or not those plants look great in that placement

Thank you so much for your kind words. Honestly I'm very happy with the silk plants and they let me run API Phos-zorb in my canister filter which really keeps the algae down. What I really like about the effect is a very minor thing. I painted the back glass with black plasti-dip which gives it that flat, smooth color and completely hides the white wall behind it. Anyway thank you very much for taking your time to give me a little boost... it worked.

 

[Back in the fold]

You have a great aquarium as is. If it isn't broke don't fix it.

 

[1L19]

You have a great aquarium as is. If it isn't broke don't fix it.

Haha I hear you man but don't you see... it is broke! It's dull and boring and it needs some repairs.

 

[Back in the fold]

Haha I hear you man but don't you see... it is broke! It's dull and boring and it needs some repairs.

Man , if that's dull and boring then I need to go to design school. I think it's great !

 

[Rocky998]

Man , if that's dull and boring then I need to go to design school. I think it's great !

Agreed... If that tank is dull and boring, my tank need to be smashed to bits

 

[Rocky998]

@Back in the fold, we'll you didn't have to agree like that man

 

[Back in the fold]

I've been called lots of things but never an aquascaper. If I ever put something like this tank together I would amaze myself. This aquarium is simple , elegant and tasteful.

 

[TNG]

Have you considered ruby or 5 banded barbs?
They won't bother any fish and just as colourful as tiger barbs.

 

[1L19]

Have you considered ruby or 5 banded barbs?
They won't bother any fish and just as colourful as tiger barbs.

Rubys are too close in color to the mopani wood. I looked at the fiveband barbs and, knowing it's very hard to tell from net photos, it seems they are more red in the body than the tigers which seem more yellow. Maybe it's just variation in the lighting of the tanks when the photos were taken. Definitely worth considering and I thank you for taking a moment to help me out!

 

[1L19]

I've been called lots of things but never an aquascaper. If I ever put something like this tank together I would amaze myself. This aquarium is simple , elegant and tasteful.

You are very kind. I do like my tank but I only really use two guidelines. First is I start with the hardscape and really try to find a piece that I like. Second I use the "rule of thirds" when placing items in the tank and that's just measuring. So it's more math than talent which helped me to create a tank I enjoy. Good looking out sir.

 

[TNG]

Second I use the "rule of thirds" when placing items in the tank and that's just measuring.

Rule of thirds, sounds like you're also a photographer.

 

[1L19]

Rule of thirds, sounds like you're also a photographer.

Ahaha yes but I'm the sort of photographer that takes 200 pictures of the same thing and then picks out the least worst. I learned about the rule of thirds from enjoying the dutch aquascaping tanks I've seen during the annual competitions.

 

[plebian]

Some diamond tetras would really show out in that tank. Or you could add a pair of platinum angelfish if you wanted something larger.