gourami for 10 gal

[newfishies]

hey all!

i am branching into gouramis from bettas and livebearers!!! i love the pictures i have found on this site.

from my research, this is what i have learned (as i said, please correct me if i am wrong):
i could have honey or dwarf gouramis, but i have read that the dwarfs are more susceptible to disease, so i might not want them

here are my questions:
i also like the look of sparkling and croaking gouramis - are they okay in a 10 gal?
i am thinking that none of these fish would get along too well with zebra danios, is this true?
would they be okay with ottos and platys (they are already in the 10 gal tank)?

there is an outside possibility that they could go into my new 20 gal, but i am trying to establish a female betta community there, and i know that theywon't get along with each other

any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated!!!

 

[Inchworm]

Hi newfishies

A 10 gallon tank is a bit small for gouramis, but if it is not too heavily stocked, a pair of honey gouramis or dwarf gouramis would probably be OK. If it is planted with tall plants, so much the better.

The problem with gouramis is that they are territorial and, unlike bettas, can swim rather fast for short distances. In a small tank, if one chases the other, they run out of room too fast. In a larger tank, the one being chased has a better chance of getting away.

I wouldn't worry about the dwarfs being more susceptible to disease than the others. This is a rumor based on the fact that they have been inbred to develop their fancy colors. If you have bettas, you are probably aware of the problems this can cause, however, gouramis have not been selectively bred anywhere near as long as bettas have been.

One thing that is a problem is that it is difficult to fine female dwarfs. A couple of days ago I would have said impossible in the US, but my lfs finally got some in.

 

[mandi]

I have honey gouramies, and they're very peaceful and friendly. I love them.

I wouldn't put them with zebra danios because of their activity level -- danios should be in a 20 gallon minimum anyway because they're extremely active fish and should be in groups of 5+. I keep my honeys with platys and 3 otos in my 20 gallon (long) without any problems though.

 

[newfishies]

the danios are definitely headed for my 20 gal long as soon as i put it together, then there will be reorganizing throughout my other tanks!!

any more suggestions?

 

[sylvia]

I have kept danios with all sorts of gouramies without problems. The only fish you realy shouldn't keep with gouramies are nippy fish which will take off their feelers - and obviously incompatible fish like those which are too aggressive, too large, other gouramies (when applicable) and bettas.

I have to say that your 10 gallon is probably already fully stocked - otos like to be in groups so I assume you have at least 2 and I'd hope you have more than one platy. If you have 2 of each, a single male dwarf gourami would work but if you have any more, you don't realy have much room to spare.

If you can put them in the 20 gallon (with the danios), then do.

I would go for honeys instead of dwarfs because they are both slightly smaller and more peaceful. It's also true that they are hardier than dwarfs. The main thing is that they are less aggressive when it comes to territory so you could keep a trio in a 10 gallon.

Croakers and sparklers are ok for a 10 gallon but realy you would want a planted tank with plenty of room as these are more active swimmers. Sparkling gouramies are smaller so 4 would work if you had no other fish besides the otos (assuming you only have 2-3 otos though).

 

[newfishies]

thanks sylvia, i was waiting for your response!!! you always have lots of great advice on gouramis!

i am still sorting things out...my tank is still sitting on the porch, and i still need to order the plants, filter and heater (but i did get the sand already!)

so i really am just looking for ideas to start, because i am going to set up my female betta community first, see how that goes, then restock my 10 gal - the danios are moving from the 10 to the 20, with the bettas (if they get along)

so, if there are any more suggestions out there, let'em fly!!

 

[BigFishSmallPond]

I had two fancy dwarf gouramis in a 10 they did fine. =] however the lfs sold me two males so they stand off a bit and take their sides sometimes. All in all i havent had any injuries (no nipped fins or anything), but ya cant always see stress, so definately try to avoid two males


EDIT: its HAD them in a ten cuz i have since upped their home to a 25


-ak

 

[OohFeeshy]

Is it difficult to find female dwarfs? Pets at home sells them. Plus they're cheaper than males.

 

[Terrorbyte]

The larger the tank, the better -- larger tanks don't really add too much to the cost, considering all of the other necessities you will need to purchase for the tank (filter, aeration, water conditioning/testing, etc.). Larger tanks require less maintenance than smaller tanks, they offer a far more stable environment (much easier to maintain good water chemistry), and make life much easier for both you and your fish.

If you absolutely insist on placing gouramis in your 10 gal tank, definitely stick with smaller species, such as dwarfs or honey gouramis. Natural plants should also be on your list of things to add to your 10 gal. Most gouramis love plants -- natural plants keep your tank in better shape as plants use the fish waste (i.e. ammonia and nitrates) as food. For smaller tanks I've always had luck with amazon swords, anubias, and hornwort plants; as long as they receive 10 hours or so of light every day (2-watts or so of light per gallon is ideal). If you overstock your tank (as I do), make sure you provide more than adequate filtration and plan on changing 10-20% of the water every week.

 

[xXMrBonesXx]

you could get away with 2 dwarfs but make sure the water is upkept very well, they get shimmy very easily

 

[Inchworm]

Is it difficult to find female dwarfs? Pets at home sells them. Plus they're cheaper than males.

Hi OohFeeshy

Yes, at least in the US. That is why, until now, I have been refusing to buy the males. This is the first time I have ever even seen fancy female dwarfs.

Now, because of all the fancys on the market, it is becoming harder to find either the male or the female of the natural dwarf gourami, Colisa lalia too.