Hi there
!
I have a newish 120 litre, 80cm long tank which is cycled. It is planted, Amazon sword, Anubis, floating plants etc, also has rock and wood. I have 8 cherry barbs in it.
I think my water is 270 ppm, so pretty hard. I think that's 16 degrees German, but not sure on that one. I am considering buying an RO unit so as to open up my options on what I can keep.
Either way I am looking at honey gourami as 1 option. I saw some today and there were small yellow ones, large yellow/orange ones with a black belly (male I think) and large grey ones with a stripe (female I think.) I hear they are best kept at a 1 male to 2-3 female ratio. Were the small ones I saw a different type or do they change colour as they mature? I am trying to figure out whether I am best buying mature or juveniles but want to be able to sex them.
The second opinion I was considering were apistogramma Borellis. These I believe are also best kept in a 1 male to 2-3 female ratio. Does anyone have any experience with these and were they aggressive? I am not sure if my tank is large enough for a group of 4. I may struggle to get enough females as my LFS only had males. Other places said they can order a pair or they can order what I ask for but they don't always get what they order!
Both of these species seem to tolerate water up to my ranges based on 'Seriously Fish.' I know that softer would be better for both however so I shall look at that.
Any knowledge on these 2 species is very welcome!