Dwarf gourami?

Question

i have a 20 gallon tank with 2 platies 4 zebra danios and 4 marble hatchets. I want to get a dwarf gourami. how many can i keep and what else can i get with out over stocking???

Answer 1

Either get a single male (males are most common in stores) or a male and a female (you may have to special order the female because stores rarely carry them). Keeping two males in that small of a tank will result in ugly territorial disputes that you will want to avoid... Email me if you have any questions.

Soop Nazi

EDIT: I have to disagree... 2-3 Gouramis would be like a battle field in your fish tank where other fish would just get the flak.

EDIT 2: Remember that the "one inch of fish per gallon of water" "rule" is total CRAP. There are just far too many variables including (but not limited to): fish mass, waste production, filtration, surface area, number of water changes, temperature, pH, aggression, schooling habits, swimming level, fish activity, and even decor.

EDIT 3: Clown Loaches can easily reach more than 10 inches, making them COMPLETELY unsuitable for any tank much less than 50 gallons. Also, they are shoaling fish, and should accordingly be kept in groups of 5+...

Answer 2

Depending on how frequently you do partial water changes, you can add up to 2 dwarf gouramis. That would put your system at a safe capacity.

The rule of thumb is 1 inch of fish/gallon of water. Remember that you have to take into account the full adult size of the fish, not the tiny juvenile you buy at the pet store.

Of course, Soop Nazi, you are correct about the 1"/gallon not being a hard and fast rule - you wouldn't keep a 10" oscar in a 10 gallon tank, but taking into consideration the types of fish that Crystal has, I still think it's a good place to start. To start. And then take into consideration all your other variables, which are all very very good points.

My ultimate recommendation was the same as yours - 2 Dwarf Gouramis.

Answer 3

You have plenty room for a lot more fish, assuming you have good filtration and water changing habits. My question to you is, why take a chance on a dwarf gourami when there are 100's of more suitable fish to select from that are more handsome and peaceful?

Remember there are 3 levels of your aquarium.....top, middle and bottom. You have top feeders in your hatchets and middle feeders in your platties (zebras aren't still long enough to know what they are!). Consider some bottom dwellers like cory cats, clown loaches, banjo cats, etc. Your local fish dealer, assuming its not Walmart, should be able to make suggestions from his stock. Good luck!

Answer 4

Okay, I've had many experiences with gouramis. (12 to be exact). These guys can be aggressive towards each other and I know the books usually say to keep them in pairs, but don't. These guys do better off alone, for my gouramis have constantly killed and tortured one another. Otherwise, enjoy these cute fish. They're one of my favs <3

Answer 5

yea, you should only go with 1 Dwarf gouramie.

The common problem with gouramies is that many people believe that dwarf gouramies are extremly small like the name would imply. But they are still a larger gouramie, about 3-4 inches when adults.

What is sold at 98% of all petstores is male DG, Y? do to their coloration.

Females are dull in coloration so dont often sell as well.

In your set-up i would go with only one male DG.

Answer 6

It's advicable to just get one. I am sure there is a possibility you can get 2-3.