My three Dwarf Gouramis w Platies in 75g

Ok, I‘ve read abt the fact that 1. multiple DG males are not very compatible in one tank and 2. they can easily have the virus. I just so love the DG, I had to try. So far, all is well. Each has a region of the tank they can claim as their own and there has been next to no fighting. I bought all three from a single shipment to a LFS and all three appeared to be on the younger side. They were all put in to the 75g at the same time after sharing QT. I have no females in the tank and I’ve not put floating plants in the big tank to foster bubble nest building. I have read that a mere two males is asking for trouble whereas three or more may/could work out. I figure having two creates an immediate hierarchy….one dominant and one submissive.

I realize it may not work out and have backup plans should it end up not working. Honestly, I really find that having two dozen Wagtail Platies w a few Corys make for a rather busy tank which seems to distract/divert potential aggression on the part of the DGs. The DGs do leave the Platies alone and just tolerate them.

The tank has two AC 110s for a good turnover w filter pad strips in the outflow to quiet the re-entry water from the filters. There is also a gentle bubbler strip on one side. The water is not a real fast moving flow, neither is it still. I’ve seen no signs of male DGs trying to set up any kind of bubble nest…..they just swim around and periodically find spots to hover/rest at.

Regarding the virus, I can only hope and watch for early signs of trouble and keep my WCs up and maintain optimal water parameters. They’ve been all together for just over a month, so I know it’s a bit early to celebrate, but I’m feeling a bit optimistic atm.

I recently got out of my 5 year Discus craze and returned to my first love of decades ago…..the Wagtail Platy and Dwarf Gourami. I’m hoping to be able to go this route having both species in one larger tank, but will separate if necessary. One thing I find interesting is that the spots/territories of the male DGs seem to change every few days and that one swimming by a such spot of one
does not trigger challenges. Perhaps I’m the luckiest guy……I’ll post follow ups as time goes by.

 

They're gorgeous fish, good luck

 

Those are some very nice looking Powder Blue DG.

Whenever someone says "so far", I wince. That usually means "not very long", and a month is definitely not long enough to be optimistic yet. But I'd say you have as good a chance as any. Good luck!!

 

Thanks……I did seem to nab a nice few DGs this time.

You are correct…..a month is not long. I have seen in past tanks, however, signs of aggression within a month as was the case in my Discus days. So, I’m gonna enjoy things while they last, hope for the best, and pay extra close attention to the water parameters. Of course I’ll let you all know how things go….good, bad, or ugly.

 

I had 2 I got from a lfs store and they tolerated each other for about 2 weeks. Slowly after that the bigger started chasing the smaller one. It's hard to make it work even in a 75g which I had them in. Gluck though.