How to Raise Gouramis

Gouramis are a group of very colorful and usually placid freshwater fish. They come in various sizes, from the small dwarf gourami to the larger giant gourami, which get to a whopping four inches long. They are related to bettas (Siamese fighting fish). They make a great addition to your tank, as long as you aren't overcrowding your tank, and provide hiding places for nervous fish. Not all gouramis act alike, even within the same species. Some are a lot crankier than others, but all seem to be great fish for novice fishkeepers.

Things You'll Need

  • 20-gallon fish tank (or larger)
  • Air pump
  • Water filter
  • Water agitator or air stone
  • Air hose
  • Bucket
  • Gravel
  • Tank stand
  • Thermometer
  • Aquarium water heater
  • Decorations (like plastic plants)
  • Electric outlet strip (optional)
  • Water conditioners (optional)
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Instructions

  1. If Wishes Were FIshes

    • 1

      Select the ideal place to put a fish tank that weighs hundreds of pounds when filled. You want to get the largest you can afford, but you need at least a 20-gallon tank. You also want it out of the way of "traffic" in your home and not directly across from a stereo or TV. Take your time making this selection. Get your water tested to see what kind of water conditioner it needs during this time.

    • 2

      Gather all of your tank materials and set them up. Take a weekend or a a couple of weekends to get the tank set up. You need it completely set up and bubbling for one month before you can bring home any fish. The water needs about a month in order to grow beneficial bacteria to keep the fish happy and healthy.

    • 3

      Stock your tank carefully. Your tank can hold a one-inch fish per four gallons. So, for a 20-gallon tank, five one-inch fish should live happily and have enough space to hide should a fishy argument break out. This also makes the tank easier to clean. Gouramis get along with peaceful community fish like tetras, danios and Chinese algae eaters.

    • 4

      Keep the water temperature between 72-82 degrees. Get in the habit of looking at the thermometer at least once a day. If your earlier water test showed that you have an amonia or nitrate problem ion your tank, periodically check the water to see if it's getting better or worse.

    • 5

      Feed your gouramis the same food as all of the other freshwater fish, whether that's flakes or pellets. They will also snack on some of the algae that grows in tanks. They also enjoy treats of bllodworms (forzen or freeze dried) and brine shrimp. And they enjoy well-washed lettuce leaves as another treat.

    • 6

      Do a partial water change at least once a week. You only need to change one fifth to one quarter of the tank's water. Any more might shock the fish.

    • 7

      Watch your fish for a few minutes or more each day so that you know their usual antics and check to see if they are getting sick. The sooner you can spot an illness in a gourami, the sooner you can treat the problem.