tkfury

Just a few basic questions now. I bought my 22g tank the other day (16x16x20). I had originally thought about a pair of angelfish but it wasn't until I got home that I was told thats a little small so I'm going with a pair of dwarf gouramis (which I actually wanted to go with the angelfish so its still all good) and a few Otos. I'd still like to add a few more fish and I was thinking about dwarf rainbows? When I asked the guy at the fish store he knew what I was talking about and referred them as dwarf rainbows. Now he said they should get alone with dwarf gouramis (forgot to ask if he can make sure I get a male and female when it comes time to adding them) but I forgot to ask if they perfer to be in pairs, groups and what not. Just to double check - will dwarf gouramis and dwarf rainbows get along together?

As of right now I have the heater, filter, master test kit and the basic gravel. I've still got to pick up a light timer, thermometer, net, vacuum, bucket and I've an air pump and bubble wand coming in shortly. Other than the actual water, plants (and in time fish) is there anything else I need? I'm the sort of person who'll have a list of what I need but somehow still end up missing something so mostly double checking. I've also a little 10g that I'll be setting up to use just in case something happens .. I can't really help it if one of those lovely bettas follow me home.

I know I'm probably getting ahead of myself. I'm in no real hurry to set up and start cycling because I want to make sure I take plenty of time to get everything I need (two hours just to get to one of the stores and back). I am a little excited about finally buying the stuff but please feel free to slap me in the head if I'm forgetting any basics or rather important infomation

Oh, one last thing - if the dwarf gouramis, dwarf rainbows and otos will go together nicely what would a good temperature be? From the infomation I've found 78F looks to be about right but asking never hurt anyone.

Chief_waterchanger

Yes, they should get along well. 78-80 degrees is good. You seem to be ontop of the situation.

AlisonChristine

MTS, and you're just starting out? Well done. And yes, a lovely betta will follow you home, it's inevitable.

COBettaCouple

yea, we think you're of to a great start!

tkfury

Yay, thanks ^^ I did find out that the dwarf rainbows seem to perfer to be in groups of 6+ so I'm still trying to figure out what I'm going to do. Everything I've been able to find about the rainbows says they're adult size is either 2inches or 3inches (none say 2-3 so I figure just go with 3inches to be on the safe side). So I think I'm just going to do with the gouramis and rainbows for now.

Just wanna add I do love this place - I don't think I would be as excited as I am about getting a tank started if I hadn't come across the forum So thanks everyone!

Chief_waterchanger

Of course you love it, resistance is futile.

tkfury

*gasped* I wouldn't dare resist!

I've confiscated my father's little 10g that just had his "leftover" neon tetra, zebra danio and panda cory - he lost interest awhile ago and has pretty much just been waiting for these ones to finish dying off (over a year and these three are still doing great). I have a friend who said she'd love to help me move a larger tank so I'm just going to continue to save for a larger tank (ideally 55/65g). Once the tank is ready I'll be putting 6 tetras, 6 zebras and 2 cories in there (I know that might be a little tight but I'm more than willing to stay on top of everything - I don't want to separate them since they've been together for years but I'm keeping the 10g up in case it doesn't work out).

I just needa get out and buy some plants and maybe a few other decorations and I'm ready to finish filling the tank.

Edit: Just a little (rather poorly done) picture. Now to just be patient

COBettaCouple

i'm glad fishlore's added to your enjoyment of fish keeping.. it sure has for us. and we've met some good friends here that share our love of our underwater pets.