Barb recommendations for a 55 gallon tank

Hi everyone!

I have a 55 gallon tank that currently houses a group of 4 thicklipped gouramis (one male/three females) and four synodontis lucipinnis. I'd like to round out my stocking with a barb schooler and some electric blue acaras or keyhole cichlids. Municipal water is around 10 KH / GH fluctuates according to season from 10 down to 0-1 dGH. We're currently in the low GH season and I drop wondershells in my tanks to maintain around 6-8 dGH (tested regularly). Ph holds at around 8.0, temperature around 77 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

We are particularly attracted to black ruby barbs, odessa barbs, gold barbs, and snakeskin barbs. We're not sure about tiger barbs with gouramis. Love the look of Rosy Barbs, but I'm concerned they are a bit too large and like cooler waters than what we're keeping. Any recommendations to go with our planned stocking? We want to make sure we keep a large enough group to prevent nipping of gourami feelers. This will be our first time keeping barbs!

Thanks!

 

I think the black runy's should do OK, otherwise cherry barbs are usually fairly peaceful.

 

I think the black runy's should do OK, otherwise cherry barbs are usually fairly peaceful.

I do like cherry barbs! Will they be big enough to live alongside EBAs?

 

I do like cherry barbs! Will they be big enough to live alongside EBAs?

That i am not sure on...though if you give them a chance to grow or can get some bigger ones you might be ok

 

Update: I went with Black Ruby Barbs, and they've been in quarantine for a little over a week so far. No regrets, I adore these fish. Absolutely awesome after they colored up!