redlessi

Hi, I have a 35 gal tank fully cycled that so far has 6 leopard danios.

I plan on getting at least 4 cories for the bottom. I want something really colorful for the middle. Can you have 2 dwarf gouramis together with this plan? Any suggestions for something really colorful or cool for the middle without overcrowding my tank.

Thanks much

Blub

You have tons of space in there, well done! I say 6 corys for the bottom, 1 Dwarf Gourami and a school of tetras/rasboras/small barbs.

ABCDemily

I agree with Blub DG's are generally an agressive fish if kept with its own kind, so I like the idea of just one (for your own sanity's sake!)

Good luck, sounds like an awsome size tank

redlessi

http://s898.photobucket.com/albums/ac187/redlessi/

here is the link for pics

what about serpae tetras, if I get 6 of those would this make it crowded?

Blub

Not at all! A good general guideline for small fish is 1" of fish per gallon - of course the fish have to be compatible and they have to be in a tank of the mimimum tank size for their species etc but it is useful.

redlessi

what about 2 sparkling gouramis and 3 platies for the middle to go with the
6 danios and at least 4 cories

Blub

That sounds great! Just make sure you get all male platys so they don't breed.

redlessi

thanks much

Blub

Just a side note: your goldfish will need a 20gal tank soon as that is the minimum tank size for an adult goldie. Not right now, but soon.

redlessi

Thanks, my goldfish is approx 1in and the color is becoming really beautiful. It didnt have much color at first. Not sure what that means but I take it as something good! I have a 20 gal but no hood for it. Once I get the additional items for it, I will switch tanks. Thanks again

Blub

If a fish develops more vidid colour it is very good - sign of a healthy fish!
It's great he will have the 20gal soon as well - that will do him for the rest of his life (which could be around 20 years!).

redlessi

someone said the gouramis might have a hard time getting to eat with the danios, do you think that would be a problem?

Blub

It could be a problem - as Sparklers aren't incredibly competive fish as they are placid and small... But you could also say the same about the platys - they could outcompete the tiny sparklers as they are hyper eaters and get a lot bigger than the Sparkling Gouramis. It may be a good idea to revise your choice of Gourami, as the Sparklers could very well be outcompeted easily.

redlessi

Initially I wanted 2 dwarf gouramis. Some folks say to only get 1 and some folks say they have more than 1. If you get 2 of them is it best to get same sex or opposites. What about a pair of angel fish instead of the gouramis. Would they work?

Blub

A pair of angels could pair off and becoem aggresive, so for this reason I suggest only getting 1 Angel if you do. In my mind, small gouramis and danios don't mix. The danios active, crazy nature coupled with the slow paced, placid Dwarf gourami is a recipe for a starving gourami - the danios could speed to the food and gobble it all before gourami gets a look in! Many people do it - sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. I think an angel would be the best option as that would have an easy time getting it's food and an individual angel is a good solid community fish, as long as it's tankmates are not small enough to be gobbled.

redlessi

So with the wild danios and the very active cories, what would you suggest for something colorful to live in the middle of the tank. The danios are leopard danios and the cories are bronz/green so they look like almost the same color. I want something colorful to bring out the tank. Thanks much

bolivianbaby

How about dwarf neon rainbowfish?

redlessi

They are pretty expensive here and I think I read that you need at least 5-6 of them, which put them a little out of my price range, at least until I have a little more experience. I do find them to be gorgeous little fish. Any other suggestions? Do you have to have that many of them or did I read wrong? Thanks much

bolivianbaby

Rainbows should be kept in schools of about 5 minimum. Have you considered a pearl, blue, or gold gourami? You'd only need one and they are an eye-catcher for sure. I love my pearl gourami.