proudmomoftwins

Hi, I haven't purchased any thing yet but have been looking at the type of fish I would like to get for an aquarium and would like to know if the two different kind of fish would get along okay. The first fish is a Dwarf Gourami, I would like to get two of them and then the other fish is a Cardinal Tetra and would like to get maybe four or six of those. With that being said and if they are compatiable, what size tank would the fish need? I don't want to breed either fish.

Thanks for any advice and info in advance.

Jonah

Hi and welcome

The Dwarfs are hit and miss as to whether 2 will live together, I had 3 Honey's in a 60 gal tank and one was so agressive towards the other 2 that I had to rehome them.

but 1 or 2 with Cardinals would go fine together, a 20gal long tank would be ideal.

You do not want to put the Gourami in a tall tank as he is a labyrinth fish and needs to get to the surface to breath from time to time

Lucy

Hi Welcome to Fish Lore

It's great you're doing research first. Here's a good link to start reading about setting up a tank and some other must know things for people just starting out: Fish Lore Beginners
Be sure to read the links at the bottom of the page also.

A DG should get along with cardinals, they're very pretty fish. For a nice size school and a DG, I'd suggest starting about about a 20g. You could probably get away with a 15g, but I think you'd be happier with something a little larger then maybe add a clean up crew like a few cories.

Good luck with your new hobby

agabr123

welcome!

what size tank are you thinking about getting?

aquarist48

Welcome to Fish Lore

AlyeskaGirl

I'd say a 20-gal would be an ideal starter tank. Especially if you want a school of Tetras along with a Center Piece fish....besides it gives you more room to play with! Only one DG is recommended per tank because they get aggressive. Unless it's a male and female. You always can go for the Pearl Gourmai too. They get about 4". They are peaceful. Go with 6 Cardinals.

Oh, and Welcome to FishLore!

proudmomoftwins

I still have a lot of research to do but was thinking about a 20 or 29 gallon tank. If I were to get a male and female DG that would mean they could breed... if I don't do any thing with the fish what will happen to the eggs? I'm sure the eggs will become food so is it okay for that to happen or do I need to discard the eggs before the fish get to them? Will the Cardinals eat the eggs? I don't want to have to get another tank for seperation. So many questions and so many things to think about. Thanks again for any advice and suggestions, I need all the help and info I can get!! Of another bit of info that might help, the aquarium is for my family. I have two young children who are extremely fascinated with fish and watching them swim around in tanks. Thanks again!!

Jonah

In a 29 you would easily have space for the Pearl Gourami and the 6 cardinals Alyeska suggested an also the schol of Corys that Lucy suggested, or instead of the Corys as an entertaining fish for the children to watch you could get 6 Khuli Loaches as your clean up crew.

you could also try to get a male and female Dwarf (Honey) Gourami (instead of the Pearl) always assuming that you can find a female, most stores do not stock the females as they are such plain fish.

They are Bubble Nest breeders like Bettas and so the male gourami would look after the eggsin his bubble nest until the eggs hatch and the fry grow a little.

There is a lot of research to do for breeding them though.

agabr123

here are some more stocking ideas for either a 20 or a 29

Work In Progress: Freshwater Community Stocking List

CHoffman

Welcome to Fishlore!!..Sounds like you have a great plan for your tank..You'll have to post pics when it's all up and stocked.

Beth1965

alex: those lists for community stocking: THANK YOU!! I wish I had seen it earlier. Not that I've gone and bought fish yet but it will help me big time. I was having a hard time keeping the names of fish straight with who and what they should or should not be mixed with!!!

agabr123

you're welcome i'm glad it was helpful!

proudmomoftwins

Just wanted to say thanks to all who posted and gave me advice, info, suggestions...etc.
I'm hoping in a few days to go and pick out the aquarium to get started.