I have a 29 gallon tank with 6 tiger barbs, 1 bala shark, 2 tetras and 2 algae eaters. I would like to put two gouramis in there? Would they be compatible? What types of gouramis would be best?
2007-02-16 04:22:02 · 5 answers · asked by doza1621 3 in Pets ➔ Fish
Oh no! I see what you all mean about my tank being too small for the bala shark. The pet store guy told us he would be fine in our tank, and I believed him. Now, I see why it's alllll the more important to do research before buying fish. He was one of the first fish I bought, so I hadn't done enough research at that point and figured the pet store guy knew what he was talking about.
2007-02-16 04:38:01 · update #1
Don't feel too badly. Petstore folks are full of BS - they aren't necessarily misleading your purposely (although many do), but you musn't forget that these are just regular joes working for minimum wage with no background in fish keeping. However, you'd think that you would be able to trust the advice they give you :S
So do try to rehome the bala shark, and possible the algae eaters as well. You did not specify what type of algae eaters, but most will outgrow a 30 gallon tank. Only oto cats, really, would be suitable.
Anyway, my concern with putting gouramis is the tiger barbs - they tend to be very nippy; but since they are in a large group, it might be okay. I would also get a few more tetras - tetras are schoolers and they will not feel safe in pairs. As for which gouramis, you could get a couple dwarf gouramis. They are small and quick and should be able to hold their own against the barbs. If you want something bigger, blue gouramis or opaline would be nice. If you get rid of the tigers, you could opt for pearl gouramis - but they tend to be on the shy side. Don't get pink / kissing gouramis. They are too big for that tank and also too aggressive. The "kissing" behaviour is actually sparring / fighting.
2007-02-16 05:30:23 · answer #1 · answered by Zoe 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The tiger barbs are fin nippers and will likely tear the gouramis to shreds.
On a side note, I hope you have a 125 gallon tank for that bala shark. You do know they grow to 12 inches long, right?
Tetras are best kept in groups of 6. So if you want more fish, get rid of the bala and get at least 4 more of the same species of tetra.
2007-02-16 04:29:05 · answer #2 · answered by fish guy 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A pair of blue or gold gouramis would go well on your tank. I would suggest though that you find a new home for the bala shark. He will out grow your tank in no time.
MM
2007-02-16 04:26:35 · answer #3 · answered by magicman116 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
no bala shark but then recommend kissing gouramis? i disagree, they are one of the larger gouramis i had a pair that well about 9" long
but the others are right the tiger barbs are fin nippers and the gouramis are a peaceful fish
2007-02-16 04:48:39 · answer #4 · answered by seven_ms_man 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
* about the bala shark* yes your tank is to small for a full growen but if hes a baby he will not grow larger then his tank... Bala sharks can get big but only if in a tank that will allow him to...
i would recomend kissing gouramis thre very sweet fish and very pretty! they will do fine with the barbs i had one tiger barb one channel cat a ghost cat and a gourami in a tank togather never had a prob
2007-02-16 04:42:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋