Advanced150 L

Pearl gourami pairs (150 L)

Labyrinth jewels: iridescent scales and orange throats on males.

Trichopodus leerii — large peaceful gouramis with iridescent patterns. Two pairs form territories but without serious aggression.

Tall tank is required — these are surface fish. Floating-leaf plants help with bubble nest building.

Dimensions

100×40×40 cm

Temperature

24–28°C

6.5–7.5

4–15 °dGH

Setup time

5 wks

Budget

≈ $460

Total fish

Fish (19)

Essential gear and water prep needed before adding fish

0 of 9 ready

External canister filterEssential
≥ 600 L/h, gentle outflow
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≈ $130
HeaterEssential
150 W
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≈ $32
ThermometerCare
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≈ $6
Basic 6500K LED lightBase
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≈ $90
Inert substrate (2–5 mm gravel)Base
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≈ $40
Dark film backgroundBase
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≈ $14
Water conditioner (dechlorinator)Essential
Seachem Prime or Tetra AquaSafe — instantly detoxifies chlorine, chloramine, and heavy metals
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≈ $12
Liquid drop test kit (pH, NH₃/NH₄, NO₂, NO₃)Recommended
API Freshwater Master Test Kit or liquid drop tests to monitor nitrogen cycle
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≈ $25
Fish net & gravel vacuum siphonCare
Soft fish net matched to fish size + gravel vacuum siphon for weekly 20–30% water changes
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≈ $15

Gouramis breathe atmospheric air — never seal the lid tight (leave a 1–2 cm gap).
Water surface should be warm — gouramis breathe air through the labyrinth.
Don't turn the heater off at night — cold air burns the labyrinth organ.
25–30 % water change weekly.