Tankmates for Blue Gouramis

[gwlee7]

I have just started a new 55 gallon tank with two pair of blue gouramis. What would be some fun and interesting companions for them? They are only 1 1/2 to 2 inches long at present and I know they'll get to be about 4 - 6 inches. I want them and my other fish to be happy and not crowded. My pH is a little on the high side at 7.8 to 8, but I took great care to acclimate the fish to their new home and they all seem much happier with me instead of still being at the LFS.

 

[Tempestuousfury]

You might try your luck at some small, basic water cichlids. I wouldn't suggest tetras or any other such fish because they might either get attacked, be attacked, or they wouldn't like the pH.

Perhaps rams, too.

Are you planning on breeding any of the fish you get? Rams and gouramis are good fish to breed aft6er a bit of experience.

 

[gwlee7]

Being extremely new to the hobby, wouldn't cichlids be a little hard for me to keep starting out? I don't want to be known as your newest fish murderer

 

[Tempestuousfury]

True, true.

However, I don't trust you newbies with chemicals.

The problem is that I have personally done no research on fish that live in hard water...

Hm... in this book it suggests medium hard water for mollies and guppies...

If you want a comprehensive list of fish that could fit your tank type, you might consider getting an encyclopedia on freshwater fish. You should be able to find a few moderately easy, hardish water, community fish.

It seems that tetras can tolerate moderately hard water, though breeding will be harder. Cories seem to be able to handle "all water".

I don't really trust this book all that much...

Bah!

 

[gwlee7]

From what I've read in books and other sites, "veterans" are just as well off leaving the chemicals alone too.

I'm definately not going to try to fool with the pH of my water because the KH is also high and chemicals are way too dangerous when you have alot of buffering capacity in the water to start with correct?

I knew the gouramis would be okay having checked out the pH tolerance and the Blues are quite hardy. I'm sure we'll find some other "liquid rock" loving fish that will also be pretty.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi gwlee7

If you are buying your fish locally, most of them will probably be used to the water by the time they reach your tank. If in doubt, find a good independent lfs and talk to the owner. There are many other people who keep fish in your area and this person would know the precautions you should take and the fish you should avoid.

It's almost always better to buy fish that will thrive in your water than to change the water to meet the needs of the fish.

Since you have gouramis, they will be most active at the top of the tank, so you will want to get some for the other areas. There are many kinds of cory cats who would do well at the bottom. Small loaches like kuhlis and even weather loaches would also do well and would even give you variety in the shapes of the fish.

For the middle of the tank, I've found that platys get along well with gouramis and provide a nice touch of color. A small school of glowlight tetras would be good too. II've also kept blind cave fish and glass catfish in a 55 gallon tank with gouramis.

It's best to avoid keeping bettas or angelfish with gouramis. Although there are exceptions to every rule, they just do not get along well most of the time.

 

[gwlee7]

Thanks Inchworm.


My water is from a well not our city water. It is a deep water rather than shallow water well and that is why it is so hard I believe. Anyway, I know the gouramis are going to be fine. I had thought about a pair of angels but I was not married to the idea.

I have also thought about Tempestuousfury's idea about small, high pH, basic water cichlids like the "electric yellow". From what I've read, they seem to be reasonably mild mannered and I know they would like my water. They are also very pretty.

What do you all think??

Thanks,

Greg

 

[melleth]

K, I have an 80 gal tank with 2 blue and 2 opaline goramies. The opalines are simply georgous! I was thinking of adding 2 more eitehr gold or pearl.

I also have:
1 black shark
4 glowlights (adding at least 6 more)
4 skirted tetras (3 year old fish nto getting more after they're gone)
1 Gold wonder killi (male going to get him some girlfriends)
4 Lepord danios

So I am really into the Killi which is prety much top dwelling 24/7 and the goramies.
I am going with the glowlights for schooling fish mostly mid/bottom level. They hang out in the plants a lot which makes me think they want a bigger school.

The shark is a bottom feeder and at 5 inches about done growing.

Any ideas on what or if I should add.

Considering seting up a 29gal high breeding tank for goramies or killies.
If I breed them what is the most likely type to be wanted by petshops?