The ideal dwarf gourami tank size depends on the number of fish in the tank. The average size of dwarf gouramis is 3.5 inches. Every inch of fish needs 1 gallon of water. So a minimum of 10-gallon tank is recommended for housing 3 dwarf gouramis, with an extra 5 gallons of water per additional fish.
However, there are numerous factors that you need to consider before finalizing the tank size for dwarf gouramis. Let’s learn about them.
4 Factors To Consider For Determining Dwarf Gourami Tank Size
Aquarium tanks come in various sizes, from a small 2-gallon tank to a 200-gallon tank or even bigger.
However, every fish has specific requirements that must be met before they’re placed in an aquarium.
Dwarf gouramis don’t grow very large, and hence choosing an appropriate tank size for them can be tricky.
They can become stressed, anxious, or aggressive when kept in a smaller tank.
It can also result in stunted growth, internal organ failure, or other complications. So it’s vital to choose the right tank size.
Following are some of the factors to consider when deciding on the right tank size for dwarf gouramis.
1. Number Of Fish
The tank size is directly proportional to the number of fish you wish to keep in the aquarium.
If you wish to house a large group of dwarf gouramis, the tank needs to be bigger than for a small group.
Also, male dwarf gouramis can become aggressive when trying to defend their territory.
Hence, all the fish in the tank must get ample space to claim their territory.
2. Size Of The Fish
The size of the fish is another factor to consider while finalizing the tank size for dwarf gouramis.
Dwarf gouramis can grow up to 3.5 inches.
So you can keep more dwarf gouramis in a small tank than some other fish that grow pretty large.
3. Tank Maintenance
Dwarf gouramis are highly sensitive to water quality. So the tank must be well-maintained.
Generally, larger tanks are easy to maintain than smaller ones. The larger the tank, the easier it is to keep the water parameters stable.
If you have a small tank with few dwarf gouramis, it’s essential to clean the tank frequently to ensure good water quality.
Regular maintenance can sometimes become tedious and time-consuming.
So investing in a large tank is better if you can’t invest the required time and effort to maintain the tank.
4. Tankmates
Tankmates are another crucial factor to consider while determining the tank size for dwarf gouramis.
Dwarf gouramis are compatible with many docile fish and are often preferred in community tanks.
So you should consider the space required by the tankmates.
The tank size should be such that all the tank inhabitants get enough space to claim their territory and cohabitate peacefully.
Shortage of space can lead to territorial disputes between the fish, resulting in aggression and stress.
Can Dwarf Gouramis Live In A 5-Gallon Tank?
A 5-gallon tank is small for dwarf gouramis.
Considering the “one-inch fish per gallon” stocking rule, one dwarf gourami will need about 3 gallons of water.
While this rule can apply to the bio-load of the fish, it doesn’t take into account the swimming space required by a fish.
Dwarf gouramis live in large water bodies with ample swimming space in the wild.
So when you house them in a small tank of 5 gallons, they will get cramped for space and become temperamental.
Dwarf gouramis thrive best when kept in a group of 4 or more. However, a 5-gallon tank can only hold one dwarf gourami.
Another factor is tank setup. Dwarf gouramis prefer a densely planted aquarium.
A 5-gallon tank is too small to place live plants and rocks to replicate the natural habitat of dwarf gouramis.
A smaller tank also needs periodic maintenance and a constant tab on the water parameters because even a slight change can result in drastic fluctuations in the water parameters.
How Many Dwarf Gouramis Can Live In A 10-Gallon Tank?
The ideal tank size for dwarf gouramis is 10 gallons and more.
In a 10-gallon tank, you can house three dwarf gouramis or just one dwarf gourami with a school of peaceful fish such as five neon tetras.
If you wish to house more fish, you need to add 5 gallons of water per additional fish.
A minimum of a 10-gallon tank is ideal for dwarf gouramis as it allows enough space for the fish to swim freely and explore the surroundings.
A 10-gallon tank also provides enough space to keep various plants and decorations in the tank.
Another advantage of having a large tank is that it helps to disperse the bioload more effectively.
A 10-gallon tank holds more water volume than a 5-gallon tank.
This means that the water circulation is faster, and hence the water parameters remain stable.
However, you need to provide an adequate filtration system and proper lighting in the tank.
How Many Dwarf Gouramis Can You Keep In A 20-Gallon Tank?
You can keep three dwarf gouramis in a 20-gallon tank with a school of 8 to 10 neon tetras.
Or else, you can house around 5 to 6 dwarf gouramis in a 20-gallon tank.
The number of fish in a 20-gallon tank depends on whether you wish to have a community aquarium or a single fish species aquarium.
As per the golden rule, every inch of fish requires a minimum of 1 gallon of water in the tank for survival.
So for a 3-inch fish like dwarf gouramis, a 20-gallon tank will be more than sufficient for a small group.
Another advantage of a 20-gallon tank is that it allows you to add live plants, rocks, caves, and other decorative items while leaving plenty of space for the fish.
Plants and caves provide an excellent resting or hiding place for the dwarf gouramis, making them feel secure.
An environment resembling their natural habitat makes the dwarf gouramis feel comfortable.
A stress-free environment helps to enhance the coloration of dwarf gouramis.
Another thing to remember while setting up a community tank is that the tankmates should be of similar size and temperament to dwarf gouramis.
It’s also essential not to overcrowd the tank as it can stress the dwarf gouramis and impact their health negatively.
How Many Dwarf Gouramis Should You Keep Together?
Dwarf gouramis are social fish that feel secure in a group. You can keep them in a group of at least 4.
Dwarf gouramis aren’t schooling fish. So it’s not necessary to keep them in large groups.
If you have a small tank with limited space, you can keep a pair of dwarf gouramis.
If you keep dwarf gouramis in a pair, providing ample hiding places in the tank is crucial.
The male dwarf gourami can sometimes bully the female, mainly if its temperament is more suited to a solitary lifestyle.
If you find your dwarf gourami bullying the other fish, it’s better to separate it and place it in another tank.
Male dwarf gouramis are also known to be territorial toward each other.
So you shouldn’t house two or more male dwarf gouramis together unless the tank is large enough for every male to claim his territory and live comfortably.
Instead, it’s better to have one male dwarf gourami with three females as it won’t result in harassment of a particular female dwarf gourami.
Pygmy Gourami Tank Size
Pygmy gouramis, also known as sparkling gouramis, are popular for their colorful fins and iridescent scales.
These beautiful fish are easy to care for and compatible with many fish species.
Pygmy gouramis are tiny fish that grow around 1.6 inches in length.
Hence, they don’t need large tanks like some other freshwater fish.
The recommended minimum tank size for housing three pygmy gouramis is 15 gallons. You can add 10 gallons of water for every additional fish.
Although these fish are small, they need ample space to swim and explore their surroundings.
Pygmy gouramis prefer a planted tank that resembles their natural habitat.
So, the larger the tank, the better it is, as you can add live plants, caves, and other decorations that can provide shelter to the fish.
Pygmy gouramis also prefer to live in a group of 5 or more.
Hence, a bigger tank is recommended so that the pygmy gouramis aren’t cramped for space.
These fish can also become aggressive if cramped for space or if their territory is invaded.
So a little extra space is recommended in the tank.
