Opinions on my 30 Gallon Community Tank stocking

[PurityNRoses]

Hello, everyone. Me again. I've been thinking about my 30-gallon tank a lot. I have a very aggressive male blue gourami that keeps chasing my other fish around, biting my female (male?) blue gourami, and herding all my fish to one side of the tank. He's been getting on my nerves and no matter what I try from separating him in a breeder box every water change to letting him fight it out to putting in stress coat to rearranging my tank, nothing is working. I feel like my other fish are feeling stressed and some are having a hard time eating because he chases them off. My neons are becoming paler and even my young angelfish, who's a lot larger, sweeter, and even smarter than him is getting annoyed and pecking at him and other fish. He's becoming a real problem child! I'm thinking about rehoming him but I need opinions on what to do with him. Any last suggestions about how I can make it work? I still love my blue and I'd hate to rehome him if I don't need to.

Also, I've been wondering if my tank is overstocked. I have 2 blues, one angel, 1 cory, 9 neons, 6 cherry barbs (one has swim blatter issues but is still holding on somehow), and 2 high-fin platys. What are your opinions? I'd love to upgrade sometime in the future but I don't have the means to do it and tank prices are through the roof with the glass shortage and shipping delay. Just so you all are aware, I take very good care of my fish and the water quality is still excellent. No high anything or cloudiness. My bronze corries are going to spawn soon and I am wondering how many fry I can keep and transfer to my 30 gallons when they are older.

As always, thank you. This community is by far the best I have ever encountered and I am thrilled to be a small piece of it.

 

[SotaAquatics]

I think the main issue and why I would say 'over stocked' are the two blue gourami. Are they fully grown at 5-6 inches? Males can be territorial and a 30 gallon is close to the bottom size for a single blue. I would say try to rehome him first before doing anything else and see how the dynamics change.

 

[PurityNRoses]

They are fully grown, I believe. I think it's about time to give him away. I think he injured my female platy, too. Perhaps my LFS will take him. I would put him up for rehoming on here but I would hate to burden you all with such a jerk!
The female (I think) is so shy and never bothers anyone. She is scared of him and most of my other fish and keeps to herself. I'd really like to keep her if possible.

 

[jinjerJOSH22]

Hello, everyone. Me again. I've been thinking about my 30-gallon tank a lot. I have a very aggressive male blue gourami that keeps chasing my other fish around, biting my female (male?) blue gourami, and herding all my fish to one side of the tank. He's been getting on my nerves and no matter what I try from separating him in a breeder box every water change to letting him fight it out to putting in stress coat to rearranging my tank, nothing is working. I feel like my other fish are feeling stressed and some are having a hard time eating because he chases them off. My neons are becoming paler and even my young angelfish, who's a lot larger, sweeter, and even smarter than him is getting annoyed and pecking at him and other fish. He's becoming a real problem child! I'm thinking about rehoming him but I need opinions on what to do with him. Any last suggestions about how I can make it work? I still love my blue and I'd hate to rehome him if I don't need to.

Hi, a 30 is just not big enough for Blues who are social by nature. They are better off with a group of their own which they can let all that tension out. I always recommend a 4ft tank and to keep a minimum of 4 individuals.

 

[PurityNRoses]

So, what you are saying is I should rehome them both?

 

[ProudPapa]

Just to be very clear, are you talking about blue (as opposed to yellow) 3-spot gouramis, or dwarf gouramis?

 

[PurityNRoses]

I have two blue 3-spot gouramis.

 

[jinjerJOSH22]

My choice would be a larger tank but I realize that isn't always a practical option.
It's better long term to keep more appropriate fish for your community, it's usually more enjoyable for both parties.
I would recommend rehoming both, but that choice is ultimately yours to make.

 

[PurityNRoses]

The LSF originally said they were okay. Clearly, they aren’t. I really appreciate the help. Hopefully, these two healthy guys find a good home!
They recommended them, too, and that was when I had more fish. Any suggestions on GOOD COMMUNITY tank mates. Maybe a couple guppies, a pair of platys?

 

[jinjerJOSH22]

The LSF originally said they were okay. Clearly, they aren’t. I really appreciate the help. Hopefully, these two healthy guys find a good home!
They recommended them, too, and that was when I had more fish. Any suggestions on GOOD COMMUNITY tank mates. Maybe a couple guppies, a pair of platys?

I would start with more Cories, they are wonderful when kept in larger groups. I would avoid overcrowding the Angel who is going to want space.

 

[PurityNRoses]

Guess I’ll get my bronze Corydoras to spawn! I’m happy to rear some fry!