Yeah, we know how big the balas get, but my husband really really wants one. So I told him we can only keep it till it gets to 6" then we have to find it a new home. But the LFS said they were okay by themselves, and I've seen them in friend's tanks by themselves (not in a school).
The research I've done on dwarf gouramis says they need to be in a school of at least 6 with a 2 females for every male. And they are always in schools in the stores, I don't see why they wouldn't get along in the tank. Like I said, I think the main problem will be them will be the beta.
The crayfish seem to be doing okay so far, they haven't really had any problems...but I don't know how to tell since I've never really had one. The temp is 75-76 and the LFS said they would be fine. Once again, though, I've never had a crayfish and I can't really find much info on them.
We have some plants and caves for shy fish, but since I've just started the tank up I didn't have the $ to add as much as I wanted. I'm going to get more to fill in space in the back and along the sides...I'm pretty sure the gouramis are shy, and I already KNOW the crayfish are. If you go to the Rate My Tank forum and go to my post there are pics of our tank...let me know what you think.
So sad, they're really cool.
