bigger community fish?

[cosmic dust]

Hi!
Well, my tank is finally up and running zero ammonia & nitrite & keeping the nitrate down with water changes.
So, I have 5 zebra danio (yes I know you're supposed to have six or more, but they kept dying off - even the pet shop has agreed they were sick) & 6 sunburst wag platies (4 female, 2 male). So my final aim is to move 3 of the platies into the 10 gallon tank and, once I get algae, buy a few otos.
ie final 30 gallon mix: 5 or 6 zebra danios, 3 platies (2 female, 1 male), a couple of otos +
so here's my question:
My husband wants a "bigger" fish. But everything bigger I can find in the pet store is semi-aggressive or aggressive. Also, of course, many of them just wouldn't be happy in 30 gallons. Any suggestions? or should I just stick with what I have? Someone here suggested a gourami would be okay? The only fin nipping issue I've had so far was when the pet store sold me 2 males & 1 female platy - even when I asked specifically for 2f,1m - grrrr (hence why I now have 6 platies) so how about an angel fish?
Any other suggestions on how to complete my tank would be greatly appreciated.......I still have a few inches, right?
Thanks!

[Butterfly]

You could always put a couple (at least three) of smaller loaches in there. Botia striata stay fairly small and once acclimated to your tank will swim and play at all levels of the tank. They are not in the least intimidated by fast swimmers such as the danios. yoyos are also nice.
Most of what you have now are basically top water (although they do occasionally go to the other levels). so when you buy fish think of the middle and bottom levels to fill your tank out.
Carol

[Dr_House]

I've never had one of these, so I can't recommend from experience, but I've heard the Pearl Gourami (Trichogaster Leeri) makes an excellent community fish. I know firsthand that it is a very attractive fish, but have never purchased one. One of these should make an excellent centerpiece in your aquarium and your husband should appreciate its size.

The temperament of an Angelfish (Pterophyllum Scalare) would fit into your aquarium, but they tend to be more social and thus prefer the company of their own kind. In my opinion, 30 gallons for a pair of angels and the fish you currently have would be slightly crowded.