Getting Close To Decision Time For Fish

[phlawed]

Tiger Barbs and Boesemani Rainbows are my first choice. Have thought about the Dwarf Gourami's but still not sure on them with the Barbs. Tank will be well planted for both Barbs and Rainbows. They will be joined by two bulldog pleco's (whats a tank without a few bulldogs protecting it haha) and possibly a few kuhli loaches.

 

[dthoffsett]

What size tank are you putting them in? Definately wouldn't go with the gourami's as they barbs would nip their fins. Also, make sure you have at least 6 barbs to cut down on aggression.

 

[phlawed]

What size tank are you putting them in? Definately wouldn't go with the gourami's as they barbs would nip their fins. Also, make sure you have at least 6 barbs to cut down on aggression.

I know everyone here says that, but every place i have researched i have read the ALL barbs make good tank mates for Gourami's. As you said, as long as you have enough barbs, they will concentrate their aggresion on each other not the other fish. But, not woried about it much think im going with the Boesemani anyways.

Its a 37g tank

 

[dthoffsett]

My comment on the barbs nippiness (is that a word? ) is from personal experience. I had 7 tiger barbs along with lamp eye tetras and zebra danios, and they were constantly nipping the other fish. In fact, I had to eventually move the barbs to their own tank where they spent all their time nipping each other. Sometimes you'll get lucky and they'll leave the other fish alone, but when "everyone" tells you a species of fish acts a certain way, it generally means that the majority will. Everyone here is just trying to give you well intentioned advice from their own experiences. How you choose to use it is up to you. Good luck with your tank.

 

[phlawed]

My comment on the barbs nippiness (is that a word? ) is from personal experience. I had 7 tiger barbs along with lamp eye tetras and zebra danios, and they were constantly nipping the other fish. In fact, I had to eventually move the barbs to their own tank where they spent all their time nipping each other. Sometimes you'll get lucky and they'll leave the other fish alone, but when "everyone" tells you a species of fish acts a certain way, it generally means that the majority will. Everyone here is just trying to give you well intentioned advice from their own experiences. How you choose to use it is up to you. Good luck with your tank.

I wasn't trying to pun you or anything, just stating this is the only site i have found so far that says it is a no-no. Im sure there might be some nipping going on between the two, but I dont think it would be enough to make them get stressed. Gourami are a peacefull fish, but can hold their own when provocked alot. They are also very fast swimmers when need be. Also as yous stated if it did escelate to straight out fights, then just seperate the two.