Are these fish compatible with Bleeding Heart Tetras?

**Canadian Fish** · 03-30-2012, 04:58 AM

I was wondering if the following fish are compatible, and if I can stock them in a 35 gallon tank (36"x12.5"x18")

7 Bleeding Heart Tetras
1 Pearl Gourami
7 Harlequin Rasboras
5 Zebra Loaches (Botia striata)

I like these because they vary in color and swimming level. I think they would fill out a tank nicely.

I am completely open to other ideas but I have to half the bleeding heart tetras, my wife has been asking for them since our first tank, and this is our third.

Thanks!

**pjaldave** · 03-30-2012, 07:20 AM

Yes, they should all be compatible. The only thing I am worried about are the loaches, although they don't grow as large as Yoyos, they still grow up to 4 inches and they're schooling specie so needs to be 6 (or 7 if you want), and they might take up your space.

**Canadian Fish** · 04-03-2012, 12:29 AM

I ended up putting the zebra loaches in my 55 gallon tank.

The fin nipping makes the Bleeding Hearts a pain to match up, but my wife is set on them.

Now I'm looking for a bottom dweller to go with them instead of the loaches.

I already have false julii cories and leopard cories in a 20 gallon tank. And I'm putting a Bristlenose Pleco in the 55 as well. I'm looking for something different for the 35 gallon.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks guys.

**pjaldave** · 04-03-2012, 05:23 AM

What about a pair of kribensis?

**Canadian Fish** · 04-03-2012, 11:57 AM

Originally Posted by pjaldave

What about a pair of kribensis?

I was reading about those last night, they're cool looking. I was worried the Bleeding Heart Tetras would nip their fins too much.

**MLBfan** · 04-03-2012, 12:41 PM

I've never kept them, but for most tetras (with a few exceptions) when kept in at least six specimens, they aren't that nippy.

**ekfishlover2011** · 04-03-2012, 01:01 PM

If you are still looking for bottom feeders you could try Kuhli Loaches or Java Loaches since the zebras get to big. I have Java Loaches, and i just love them. They are excellent scavengers, and are very active at nite. Word to the wise though, dont expect to ever switch tanks for them. They get comfy in one tank and they do not leave ever. Im facing that problem here with an upgrade. They dont want to go bigger! XD Id say like 6 or 7 of them. Or your cories would look nice probably.