Forgot to ask this in a follow-up

Question
QUESTION: Hi Jaymie, you've helped me with a question from 2 days ago re: my 29 gallon tank with 6 Tetras, 6 Cories, and a Dwarf Gourami (all to come once the tank is cycled).

What I forgot to ask is you said I had a good amount and perhaps I could add 4 more tetras but no more than that.

After all this explaining, could I instead add a female Dwarf Gourami for the male (for company)?  I don't think it's a good idea for 2 males but would a male/female be having babies all the time?  Perhaps the male would pick on the female too much which I don't want to see that either.  It's just that I'm a bit of a bleeding heart and would 'feel sorry' for the lone male Gourami.

Thanks for 'listening'!
Paula

ANSWER: Paula,

 You are right. It is not a good idea to put 2 males in the same tank. If you add a female, there will be eggs laid all the time. Gourami's are happy with other fish so I don't think he will be lonely. If you decide to add a female, you might want to get a tank just for them. If you have eggs in a community tank, they will be eaten.Remember to keep a good amount of surface air for the Gourami because it is an anabantoids or labyrinth fish. That means they come up to the top of the water for air. Good luck on the tank.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Jaymie for the help again.  I don't really mind if the eggs got eaten as I don't want babies but I just didn't want to be seeing a male relentlessly after a female to breed.  

What I also wanted to find out is when the tank is finally cycled, what fish out of the 3 types should I stock with first?  Cories/Neons/the Dwarf Gourami?

Thanks so much!


Answer
Paula,
 I would start with the small tetras first. That way when the larger fish get added, the tetra's have established their territory and will not be bothered by the new fish. Remember, some fish are nice and others are bullies, so it is a learn as you go experience. What works sometimes doesn't work the nest.