Help with choosing Gourami

I have a 40 gallon tank stocked with 4 Platies, 2 Swordtails, 5 Gold Barbs, 5 White skirt Tetras, 3 Preacox Rainbows, 1 Bristlenose pleco.
Around a year and half ago I had some dwarf gouramis, non of them made it past 2 weeks. They all became sluggish and then died. Around 2 months ago I purchased a paradise fish, but had to get rid of it because it kept on attacking my rainbows. Then, i decided to try dwarf gouramis again, so i purchased 1 and again became sluggish and died a few days later. I cant seem to keep dwarf gouramis alive.
I would like to try an Opaline gourami because they are way more hardy then dwarfs. But I've heard mixed reviews on them regarding aggression. I don't want them to be like my paradise fish that attacked my rainbows. Anyone have any experience keeping Opaline Gouramis with Preacox rainbows, or in a community tank? or does anyone have any suggestions on how to keep dwarf gouramis alive?

 

If you're open to alternatives, I'd suggest several pearl gouramis (1male and 2 - 4 females). They're relatively peaceful and seem to be very hardy.

I'm currently at 9 in my 40 gallon breeder tank, but 7 of them are pretty young. I know I may be looking at a train wreck when they reach sexual maturity, but until then I'm enjoying them. I'm optimistic since the tank is heavily planted, so there are plenty of places they can get away from each other if needed.

 

If you're open to alternatives, I'd suggest several pearl gouramis (1male and 2 - 4 females). They're relatively peaceful and seem to be very hardy.

I'm currently at 9 in my 40 gallon breeder tank, but 7 of them are pretty young. I know I may be looking at a train wreck when they reach sexual maturity, but until then I'm enjoying them. I'm optimistic since the tank is heavily planted, so there are plenty of places they can get away from each other if needed.

Thanks, but i want something with a bluish color, that's why I mentioned dwarfs and Opalines.

 

Hi, I don't think it's a great idea in your setup for either Dwarf or Opaline Gourami.

In my experience Trichopodus Trichopterus don't mix well with livebearers, mine killed every Guppy I tried to keep with him and when I kept Mollies they would always fight. Another reason for me is they are best off in a group but in order to be kept successfully in a group they need adequate space. I always recommend keeping them in a 4ft aquarium and in a group of 4 or more.
So, I wouldn't count on a lone T. Trichopterus to not be aggressive towards your other tankmates.

As for Dwarfs I would stay clear, their health record is atrocious, having tried to keep 20 in the last 2 years I can vouch for that.

You could try a group of Paradise and see if that goes better but I wouldn't count on it. You also have fish that are quite well know for fin nipping in the White Skirt Tetra.

 

I have a 40 gallon tank stocked with 4 Platies, 2 Swordtails, 5 Gold Barbs, 5 White skirt Tetras, 3 Preacox Rainbows, 1 Bristlenose pleco.
Around a year and half ago I had some dwarf gouramis, non of them made it past 2 weeks. They all became sluggish and then died. Around 2 months ago I purchased a paradise fish, but had to get rid of it because it kept on attacking my rainbows. Then, i decided to try dwarf gouramis again, so i purchased 1 and again became sluggish and died a few days later. I cant seem to keep dwarf gouramis alive.
I would like to try an Opaline gourami because they are way more hardy then dwarfs. But I've heard mixed reviews on them regarding aggression. I don't want them to be like my paradise fish that attacked my rainbows. Anyone have any experience keeping Opaline Gouramis with Preacox rainbows, or in a community tank? or does anyone have any suggestions on how to keep dwarf gouramis alive?

Honey Gouramis are more peaceful of the gouramis and are pretty pretty.

 

Thanks, but i want something with a bluish color, that's why I mentioned dwarfs and Opalines.

Maybe a small school of Turquoise Rainbowfish?

 

Banded Gourami might be a good option.

 

I have 2 Opalines I my 75 gallon. Beautiful fish, but I think the one in back will be going back to my LFS to live life in their show tank. He has determined that the entire right side of the tank is his and will chase everyone else away. The other one is a little more chill, but will still chase other fish. I also have pearls and honey gourami and they don’t bother anyone
EDIT: I didn’t exactly say it, but from my experience, I wouldn’t advise an opaline in a 40 gallon.

 

How about some more praecox rainbows? I think they're the sort of fish that would look really good in a bigger group.