Se Asian Tank

[One_Trick_Pony]

Hello,

I have still yet to make a final stocking plan for my 44 US gal. Tank.

And am now leaning towards a loose SE Asian Set up.

And comments on compatibility and numbers would be grate:

15 Harlequin Rasbora
5? Pearl Gourami

What are my options for the lower strata of the tank?

And possibly some sort of my unusual centre piece fish, (though having said unusual it has to be fairly readily available.

I did think about having Black ghost knife fish in there to grow out for a year or so, but am unsure on compatibility - I know its not SE again though

 

[Wills]

Hi I think 5 would be pushing it a bit unless it was a 4ft tank and you did 1M 4F. But I would stick to a trio so 1M 2F. Also how about some pygmy gourami in there as well? They will stick up top with the rasboras but it will be a nice break up in the upper surface of the tank. You could go for some medium sized barbs like panda or ember barbs for the middle and lower areas and then zebra or dwarf chain loaches for the bottom.
So how about-
3 Pearl Gourami 1M 2F
4 Pygmy Gourami
5 Panda Barbs
10 Harlequin Rasbora
6 Zebra Loaches

Its quite a heavy stock for the tank but if its a 4ft tank and you keep up with weekly water changes I think it will work out nicely.
Wills