ph is around 7.2 an I dont have an exact number for hardness but generally the water in my area isnt too hard and I use a water conditioner with my water changes every 2 weeksHi do you know what your water is like with ph and hardness? Usually a good start. I’d probably suggest more golden barbs but you are going to end up fully stocked quite quickly as gold barbs are quite a big fish for 15 gallons
As far as I read online they dont seem an easy starting point for me too... When I bought the fish 3 years ago I was told that they were perfect so I got a school of five since I was an absolute beginner then and didnt think of other stocking option. 2 of them died since and I thought I could add something newGolden barbs are not an easy starting point. I agree with @Wills you can really only add golden barbs!
I will think about itAs far as I read online they dont seem an easy starting point for me too... When I bought the fish 3 years ago I was told that they were perfect so I got a school of five since I was an absolute beginner then and didnt think of other stocking option. 2 of them died since and I thought I could add something new