Jark

I just finished my TSS cycle and am looking at getting a few more fish. Currently I have a 5"+ pleco, 5 Australian Rainbows, and 2 dwarf gourami.

The gourami were a bat decision. They are terrified of the rainbows. The rainbows aren't aggressive but they definitely out compete for food. I may take the gourami back.

My pH is about 8.4. That is probably affecting my gouramis. I will likely try and return them.

Anyways. I am asking what fish would you recommend to go with my rainbows and my Pleco. I want fish that can get right up there and feed with the rainbows.

Do other rainbows school together or do I need 3+ of each species?

What would you recommend to fill the middle and bottom water in the tank? The rainbows seem to take up the top.

I have large plastic rocks that were originally intended for cichlids which I decided against. Any fish that would enjoy those caves, without hiding in them the entire time.

Would cory/loaches be compatible with my rubber pleco?

Thank you for any suggestions

capekate

Hi Jark,
I know what you mean about those rainbows... I have three of them and yep, they sure are aggressive at meal time, not hurting others but they sure swim all over the place grabbing the food and can intimidate smaller and shy fish.
Cories or Loaches should be fine, and would appreciate the caves, but the Loaches do tend to hide out unless its feeding time.
the blue spot Gourami is bigger than the dwarfs and shaped such that they are fast swimmers and can contend with the rainbows, if you wanted to return the dwarfs and pick up some blue or gold spot Gourami's.
Ive had different species of rainbows together and at times it seems that they do school together but not for very long. They will hang out with their own species if you had them in the tank. Personally, I love an all rainbow tank and your PH is great for them. There are so many different types and coloring that you can make that a very active rainbow tank.