Compatibility of kribensis

[jolymax]

I'm currently looking into some suitable tank-mates for my pair of Kribensis. From my research so far, I've found dwarf gouramis and kuhli loach to be promising options. The kids are keen on adding neon tetras or neptunes, while my hubby's a fan of glass catfish. I'm more interested in small schooling fish, though - any recommendations for a 29-gallon tank that's roughly 20 inches wide and 20 inches tall? I don't have any water parameters to share just yet since the tank's still empty, but we're open to suggestions as we plan our new setup.

[Aquabug9]

I've had a great experience with my Kribs in a community tank - 50 gallons, no issues whatsoever. They're really entertaining to watch, I've gotta say.

[smoky]

I've had great success with kribs in community tanks, and I've even managed to breed them in all of them. They can get a bit feisty when they're breeding, but I've never had any major issues. The fish you've listed should be fine with the kribs - to be honest, they're really quite peaceful, and a lot of fun to watch, especially when the female is flirting with the male.

[ridera]

I'm currently looking into some suitable tank-mates for my pair of Kribensis. From my research so far, I've found dwarf gouramis and kuhli loach to be promising options. The kids are keen on adding neon tetras or neptunes, while my hubby's a fan of glass catfish. I'm more interested in small schooling fish, though - any recommendations for a 29-gallon tank that's roughly 20 inches wide and 20 inches tall? I don't have any water parameters to share just yet since the tank's still empty, but we're open to suggestions as we plan our new setup.

Those dimensions seem similar to my cube-shaped 620T, which holds 130l - they do hold a decent amount of water, but I've found they can be tricky to stock.

I've noticed Kribs behave similarly to my Lionhead Cichlids - generally, they're community-friendly until they spawn, then they become quite aggressive. I'd advise against pairing them with anything that dwells near the tank floor, especially something fragile like Kuhli Loaches. The tank's squat shape leaves them little room to escape.

For this setup, I'd consider top-dwelling fish that aren't too small or energetic. A couple of African Butterfly Fish might work well. If this were a standard 29g tank, I'd suggest a group of six African Tetras, like the African Dreamer.

[toothbite]

I've had my own experience with a 29-gallon tank and a pair of Kribs - they can get pretty territorial when something enters their space. I think the dwarf gourami will do just fine, though. Adding some danios would be a great idea, too - they're hardy and easy to care for. If you're looking for something that'll school, I'd suggest a group of long fin zebras - 6 or 7 should do the trick. Your kids will love watching them.

[roadside]

I really appreciate all the input, it's been super helpful. I'm actually thinking of going with non-cichlids now, just to keep things peaceful. Would a mix of tiger barbs, neptunes, and gouramis work well with my Kribs? I'm trying to prioritize happy fish here.

Also, I've been wondering about the general rule for stocking levels - is it still an inch of fish per gallon of water, or has that changed?

[tawnyfish]

Better late than never, right. I'm chiming in on the stocking levels discussion. The one inch of fish per gallon of water rule is more of a maximum, not a hard and fast rule. When it comes to Kribs, I'd say it's safer to aim for one inch of small fish per three gallons of water, considering their adult size. How's the tank coming along, by the way?