Tank Mate Suggestions?

[Artemis89]

I have just acquired a 40g tank, haven't started cycling or planting yet but as I've not had a tropical tank before I want to do some research in advance.
 
I will be having 6 platys from a friend but I'm not really sure what else I could put in with them. I probably need to stick to hardier fish as it's my first tank.
 
Any suggestions?

 

[juhason]

You have MANY options.
Here are just a few:
Other livebearers (guppies, mollies, swordtails) but they all reproduce like mad and you might have to worry about hybrids
Dwarf Gourami (if you can get one without the dreaded Dwarf Gourami Disease)
Honey Gourami
Pearl Gourami
Tetras, most are hardy but there are a few that are sensitive like neons or rummynose
Harlequin Rasboras
Corydoras
Plecos (don't get a common as they get ginormous)
Danios
Cherry Barbs
Some cichlids (angelfish, bolivian ram, other small-medium peaceful ones)
 
Of course not all of these fish go together, for instance a super nippy tetra like a serpae tetra would be bad news for angelfish. So make sure they are compatible before you buy them!

 

[Freedom]

 I want to do some research in advance.
 

Good for you!
That is a nice size tank, 40 gallons.  You could either to schools of small fish, or a few larger ones.  I have a 50 gallon and wanted schools of small fish.
 
Now that you have a list of ideas from Juhason, I really like Seriously Fish for info on each fish, like how many, food, water temp and such.  That site will also list good tank mates.
 
Here is the site, link to the lamb chop rasbora, which I have:  http/www.seriouslyfish.com/species/trigonostigma-espei/
 
These are a bit smaller and more colorful than the harlequin rasbora.  They were a bit difficult to find, I had to ask a lfs to order them for me.

 

[Artemis89]

Thanks guys! Thanks for the link too Freedom, I do love fish. I've wanted to really get into the hobby for a while but only recently had the spare cash!

 

[Ch4rlie]

Perhaps a suggestion would be is to ask what types of fish you like?
 
If you're not sure, might be worth going to your LFS and maybe write down the names of the fish you like the look of and then ask here if they are suitable for the tank and compatibility. 
 
Am assuming you have already read this for cycling your tank, http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/421488-cycling-your-new-fresh-water-tank-read-this-first/
 
It is great you're taking the time to research and make sure you're doing the right things, good on you 

 
BTW 

 to the forum, enjoy!

 

[Artemis89]

Thanks Ch4rlie! Yeah I keep two coldwater tanks already this is just my first tropical tank.
 
I did pop into my local Pets at Home this morning but it scared me! All the fish had dropsy like you wouldn't believe!
 
I like platys and mollies mainly but I worry about the amount of fry I could end up with from the livebearers.
My first thoughts were platys, mollies, tiger barbs and corydoras?!

 

[juhason]

Thanks Ch4rlie! Yeah I keep two coldwater tanks already this is just my first tropical tank.
 
I did pop into my local Pets at Home this morning but it scared me! All the fish had dropsy like you wouldn't believe!
 
I like platys and mollies mainly but I worry about the amount of fry I could end up with from the livebearers.
My first thoughts were platys, mollies, tiger barbs and corydoras?!

That sounds fine to me! The tiger barbs might even eat some of the fry, so you won't have as many, but still you're going to be getting babies. If you have other tanks with larger fish you can also use them as feeders... if you wanted to. For the tiger barbs get AT LEAST 6, more is better. They are extremely nippy, but if there's enough of them, they focus on each other rather than other fish. Also from my personal experience, mollies tend to be aggressive, so just keep on eye on them. But all those fish are compatible. 

 

[Freedom]

There are many types of corydoras, just selecting the variety you want will be a nice hour or so project - what fun!
 
I developed my list, and wanted 3 lined cory cats.  Ooooh so cute!
 
Then I did someone a favor and in return, she GAVE me all 10 of her aeneus!  4 bronze and 6 gold.  LOL.  So the best laid plans . . . . . .

 

[508]

Thanks Ch4rlie! Yeah I keep two coldwater tanks already this is just my first tropical tank.
 
I did pop into my local Pets at Home this morning but it scared me! All the fish had dropsy like you wouldn't believe!
 
I like platys and mollies mainly but I worry about the amount of fry I could end up with from the livebearers.
My first thoughts were platys, mollies, tiger barbs and corydoras?!

 
Do you happen to have a Maidenhead Aquatics somewhere near you? They're not perfect either, but it's no where near as bad as Pets at Home can be. Plus, the selection of fish is a lot bigger too.

 

[Artemis89]

I've found a fish specialist shop near me now that is really good so I think I'll go back there when the tank is ready. Good selection of fish and they actually care about overstocking, water parameters etc