Hello guys! I just got a new fish tank and it is currently cycling right now. It is 10 gallons, has black gravel, and a couple plants. The future addition of new plants is definitely possible. For stocking it I am considering Dwarf Gouramis, Honey Gouramis, or Peacock Gudgeons. I've been thinking about those types of fish possibly paired with some schooling fish like tetras. I also really want some snails or shrimp, both if possible. I honestly don't know which of those three fish to get. Are there pros and cons of each that I need to consider? Since I haven't owned a fish in awhile, should I stick to either the Gouramis or Gudgeons and not do schooling fish? Also, what types of snails and shrimp would be most beneficial to the aquarium and help maintain it. I am open to any and all advice, even if it's just about fish keeping in general. Thanks for the help!
10 Gallon Tank 10 Gallon Stocking
- Messages
- 16,739
Gudgeons, rasboras and a nerite!
Advertisement
- Messages
- 652
hello!
i think a honey gourami would look pretty cool in there. it is too small for a school of tetras, but some chili rasboras would work. i would do either but not both.
if you do go with the gourami, you might find that they'll attack your shrimp and probably eat them, depending on the size and all that. you could do 2-3 nerite snails (they don't reproduce in freshwater) or a mystery snail. if you like smaller snails, like i do, ramshorns are beautifulll but they'll multiply fairly quickly
i think a honey gourami would look pretty cool in there. it is too small for a school of tetras, but some chili rasboras would work. i would do either but not both.
if you do go with the gourami, you might find that they'll attack your shrimp and probably eat them, depending on the size and all that. you could do 2-3 nerite snails (they don't reproduce in freshwater) or a mystery snail. if you like smaller snails, like i do, ramshorns are beautifulll but they'll multiply fairly quickly
- Messages
- 16,739
The gudgies will definitely go after the shrimp. 6 rasboras, 3 gudgeons, 1 nerite. Can be tough keeping 1 nerite fed in a 10 if it won't eat anything other than biofiom and algae.
Advertisement
- Messages
- 10,168
I don't think his tank is quite suitable for honeys though imo. Those fish originate from lakes/rivers with thick vegetation. These fish occupy the top/middle region of the tank and they need a densely planted tank to feel secure because of how shy they are. However, that's just my two cents.
Plants that grow tall that will provide security in the middle region of the tank. Hornwort, Amazon Swords, Frogbit, Java Fern, etc. Personally, I've never kept a honey gourami or the plants that they like but I've done my research. Also, Petco & Petsmart do have some live plants but I'm not entirely sure if they're the ones you need. We have other experienced fishkeepers on here that'll know where you can get them, but there's no harm in also doing your research.
- Messages
- 10,168
- I haven't kept honeys (yet), but I feel pretty certain you could do a small group (3 - 5). It's my understanding that you want to have more females than male (roughly a 2:1 ratio).
- Almost any fish will eat shrimp, but if there are adequate hiding places they will probably be okay. I don't know what kind of shrimp you're planning on, but if it's neocaridinas (red cherry shrimp, or another color variation) then, again, if there's adequate hiding places a colony should survive even if there is some predation.
Advertisement
- Messages
- 10,168
They're both gouramis, but the similarity pretty much stops there. Dwarf gouramis get larger, and are much more aggressive. I know they keep multiple dwarf gouramis in a tank in the pet stores, but those are juveniles. As they get older they will almost invariably fight until only one is left alive. Honey gouramis (and pearl gouramis) are much more peaceful, and do well in groups.
Due to their popularity, dwarf gouramis have also been over bred, or at least poor stock has been used to produce fish for sale, with the result that they tend to have more health problems. That's not the case with other species.
- Messages
- 10,168
Again if you do choose to Honey Gouramis, you could do 1 in a 10 gallon but it woudn't exactly thrive. The ideal thing for you to do is 2 in your 10 because these fish are social. With those 2 in your 10, you'll have to increase the amount of plants you have so they can also feel secure. Java Fern grows fairly tall in a 10g. It would be nice for them.
- Messages
- 10,168
- Messages
- 114
I wouldn't keep honey gouramis in a ten. They get fairly large for a ten gallon and are active swimmers, can't see a ten gallon having enough space for them to truly be happy. Also, keeping one honey gourami alone is not ideal. They're a social fish, it won't do well without any other HGs. You need to have two at least, a small group would be more ideal.
From the fish you mentioned in your first post OP, the gudgeons are the only ones really suitable for a ten gallon IMO.
From the fish you mentioned in your first post OP, the gudgeons are the only ones really suitable for a ten gallon IMO.
Advertisement
I know and that's what I'm struggling with! I want my fish to be happy and healthy. I've had people say that they house 2-3 Honeys in a 10 with other schooling fish and have 0 issues and then I have other people saying they wouldn't even consider putting 1 gourami in a 10 gallon. Obviously, the larger the tank the better but if I can house 2-3 Honeys with some shrimp and a snail comfortably I want to do that. It seems to be about 50/50 across on yes or no for Honeys in a 10.
- Messages
- 10,168
Have you considered sparkling gouramis?
- Messages
- 85
i think that 2-3 honey or 2-3 sparkling gouramis would be fine although i have never kept them. stay away from the dwarf gouramis. i kept two in a 15gallon and they died a week after i got them. and they werent suitible for my aquarium either as they were too big and to aggressive. i should not have got them.
Random Great Topic!
Today's Deals
Advertisement
Advertisement