The Cookie Crew

I've just had a look at SF to re-check the hardness. The 'variatus' requires 14+ while the 'maculatus' requires 10+. You might get away with the 'maculatus' but you're quite a bit off the requirements of the 'variatus' - is it definitely the latter you have? If so, on the basis of that, and I see Sue's replied to the same effect, maybe it's time to bid them all goodbye...

Sorry to hear that your platies became more aggressive today.
Such a shame that things didn't work out.

I've managed to catch the two newer blue ones and separate them...  Tons of irony now, lol, but the two are getting along just fine outside of the main tank, and the original orange one, now that he's alone again, is behaving perfectly fine...!!!  Not sure I'll get the chance to catch him now as he's a bit spooked with the other two suddenly missing, so it might be back with the two blue ones tomorrow and Mr Orange may have a day or two respite...!!!  The dynamic in the whole tank is different again now - like it should be again...

I understand the Variatus platies like cooler temperatures (16-25C), that’s why I was looking at them for my pond. Although based on what @TopCookie said about one of them “having a go at the Amano’s” I don’t think I’ll bother.

If it's any consolation I have 2 female v. platies in my temperate tank and they are fine with the amano shrimp.

I also wonder if the larger blue one is a little bit rogue...  but then, the orange one made a b-line for the little one once the larger blue was removed...  I dunno, but it definitely looks like me n Platies are a not happening thing...   

Phase 1 of Plan B accomplished...!!!  Both the two newer blue Platies now safely back at Wharf Aquatics...     I couldn't catch the original orange one in good time, so he's still in the tank but looks to be behaving impeccably... 

So, at least the heat is off again for now and I am far more confident about keeping Platy #1 a few more days whilst formulating a new plan for a "feature fish" variety... 

I had the chance to chat to a great store chap by the name of Ross and we talked for a little while about what I was after...  This is basically a small'ish and good looking fish that will spend the bulk of its time in the upper half of the tank and should be happy either alone or in small numbers within a larger Tetras mostly community...  Also, should not be a problem with Amano shrimp or snails... 

In the meantime, I've also had a butchers at this article about Dwarf Gourami:  https://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/features/articles/lets-hear-it-for-the-dwarf-gourami 

Managed to see some in Wharf, and Honeys and Sparkling etc...  They had a few colour varieties of the Dwarf G's and I have to confess to liking them all...!!!  We talked about the disease that affects the Dwarf G's too and in this respect, Ross did set my mind at ease over that particular issue... 

Sooooooo...  my next question to you guys n gals is centred on Dwarf Gouramis, what you think of them, had any experience with them etc...?  And not least of all, would you think that one, maybe two, would make good additions to The Cookie Crew...?   

Dwarf gourami males have been known to kill females if the male is in the mood and the female isn't. If you decide on dwarfs, get at least 2 females per male. And make sure you speak to someone who knows what they are doing. When I tried dwarfs many years ago the chap in the shop insisted he had given me a standad colour male and female even though I said it was a standard male and a neon blue male. I was right.

I had a pair of Dwarf Gouramis in the past. They were quite peaceful and didn’t bother the other tankmates. However, they didn’t last long (about 6 months). My water is extremely hard, so , I am assuming this might be the problem. I have also had Honey Gouramis which seem to be a bit hardier.

Your tank looks fairly long and roomy. Is there a possibility of homing hatchet fish or is it ‘open topped’ ?

Just scouring the Wharf Aquatics stock lists now and double checking all potential candidates on Seriously Fish...  To be honest though, it feels like looking for a needle in a haystack...