Stocking new tank with gourami, tetras...?

[Critter]

Hello all! I'm quite new to fishkeeping, so please bear with me...

After much patience (after some trial and error adding ammonia), my 20 gallon tank finally has some nitrites showing up...therefore, I have started narrowing down my search for fish in preparation...

I have always liked Gouramis, and so would like to get perhaps a couple honey gourami. I have read, however, that they do best in trios (1 male, 2 females)?

I don't mind the female honey gourami, but I would like to have at least one male in my tank, if possible (which is why I was considering a pair or trio) for some extra color.

Then, I thought perhaps I could get either 6 neon tetras (they're readily available around here) or maybe 6 harlequin rasboras...

What would be my best choice of tank mates for the gourami(s)?
Should I get a pair of gourami or a trio?
Can two male honey gourami get along, by the way?

Nothing is set in stone, of course.
I'm just looking for something attractive, easy to find (considering I live in the "boonies", according to my city friends), relatively easy to care for, and will be happy in the set up I have.

Thanks for any advice in advance!

 

[OohFeeshy]

Yes, I'm pretty sure honey gouramis do best in trios of one male and two females. Not sure if males get along, but the males of a lot of gourami species are intollerant of each other. They're pretty timid though, so I'd densely plant and get some very peaceful tankmates. I'd probably go with harlequins though.

 

[Durbkat]

Depending on how aggressive those gouramis will be you could get 5 or 6 long finned black tetras or just regular black tetras.

 

[lljdma06]

I prefer rasboras as well, especially since they are from the same region, maybe not environment, but at least you have the makings of a pretty tank with all members being roughly from the same region. It looks better IMHO than the usual hodge-podge community tanks. A slowly built school of 8 would look lovely in a 20g. They also often breed spontaniously if the conditions are right and their coloration intensifies (sp) quite a bit.

Not to disappoint, but build the schooling fish group first, then add the gouramis. When I say build the school, add 2-3 fish at a time. In my experience, my gouramis have always done better when the tank had matured a little, though they are not as picky as cardinals. I had to wait a year before I added them to a tank I once had. That took patience!

Have you considered plants? You should check out the planted section as there is quite a bit of information out there. Good luck and enjoy your new aquarium.

 

[Fishist]

Harlequins would be great. Not only will they live in peace with the gouramis, but they are a good looking fish that will complement a "gourami" tank.

 

[Critter]

Thank you for the replies and advice!

Not to disappoint, but build the schooling fish group first, then add the gouramis.

I'm not disappointed at all - schooling fish would make the tank look more "alive" anyway, which is why I would like to get some in the first place (rather than one or two bigger non-schooling fish, if that makes sense).

When I say build the school, add 2-3 fish at a time. In my experience, my gouramis have always done better when the tank had matured a little, though they are not as picky as cardinals. I had to wait a year before I added them to a tank I once had. That took patience!

I really appreciate the advice. I want to start everything off on the right foot, so I am quite willing to wait...all the more fun for me (really, it'll be exciting to be able to see my tank slowly "grow").
Better off having no fish than unhappy and/or dead fish.....

Perhaps I shall go with the Harlequins, then - I do want the tank to look tasteful, as well.

I have been checking out some LFS, and so far they have plenty of tetras (neon, glowlight, black, etc.), but no rasboras. I asked one employee about them, and they just mumbled something about dwarf rasboras?
I'll just keep looking...I'm in no rush...

Also, does anyone have any experience with buying fish online? Is it worth it?
I'm considering going that route if I can't find what I'm looking for around here.

Currently, I have only fake plants in the tank, but I would like to get into live plants, if possible...I'l be looking into it...