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I want to set up a 150 gallon gourami tank with a few pairs of different gourami species, some small barbs, and a few loaches...

What should the natural "biotype" decor be?

no takers???

pH: 6.0 - 8.8
Hardness: 5-35 dGH
Temperature: 72-82 F (22-28 C)
Their preference is for thickly vegetated waters of any type.They tolerate a wide range of temperatures and are not demanding in terms of water conditions. However, they prefer soft, slightly acidic water when in breeding season.
In the aquarium they may be housed with a variety of fish, although it's usually best to keep them with fish of similar size. Generally only one male should be kept per tank, as males are highly territorial. However if the tank is large enough, or there are enough other fish present, this natural tendency will be diminished.



JTF attached this image:
[img]http://www.fishprofiles.net/attachments/400072.jpg"]

The problem is that the different fish you have mentioned come from differnt types of waters. Gouramis come from very sluggish waters, while barbs and loaches come from rivers and streams. Also, differnt species come India, Asia, or Southeast Asia. You really won't get a "true bio-type." All I can suggest is to plant it heavily...

I have an S.E. Asian theme tank-105G. Several Gold Gouramis, 4 Clown Loaches 10 Harliquin Rasboras and 1 Cherry Barb- there were 9, but a plague took all the others in a 4 day span and none of the other fish. I have a couple of species of Crypts, some Asian Ambulia, a pair of red Lotus and I just got some Anacharis. There is some driftwood and slate. Not a true biotope but fish and plants from a general region.

Yeah, I guess I am going for more of a southeast Asian themed community tank rather than a true biotype tank...

The best site I have found is Mongabay There are many areas that have been researched and laid out in a fashion that the average person can understand. Steve