New, empty 30 gallon tank - looking for colorful freshwater fish suggestions

[Jsifers]

Hi. I've just set up my tank a week ago and am planning on buying fish soon, but I'm not sure what to get. So far, visiting pet stores and aquariums, the kinds I like best are the tiger oscar cichlids and the blue gouramis. However, it seems that cichlids need at least a 50 gallon tank, correct? What about the gouramis? Or what other suggestions do you have for freshwater fish with striking coloring? I'm not a fan of tetras. Thanks!

[Mumma.of.two]

Welcome!
You are right. Oscars get too big for a 30g. IMO they need 75g just for one. A single or a male/female pair of blue gouramis would work well. Livebearers are colorful, so are rasboras and barbs (some are nippy though).

How are you cycling?
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/articl...ium/Page1.html

[zarmalar]

That's what my project is now too, my 29 gal. I want super color! So my plan is platys and my king betta some cory cats, even though they aren't colorful but super cute!
I like Gouramis too, you could do one and some swordtails, platies or guppies.