Can Thick-lipped Gourami live with Blue Phantom Pleco?
Light caution
Why
- Only a narrow water hardness overlap — keep both around 6–7 dGH.
Sweet spot: both do well at 75–82°F and pH 6.5–7.6 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Thick-lipped Gourami | Blue Phantom Pleco | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–82°F | 75–82°F |
| pH | 6.5–7.6 | 6.5–7.6 |
| Hardness (GH) | 6–7.5 dGH | 5.5–7 dGH |
| Adult size | 3.5" | 7" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 30 gal | 55 gal |
Together, plan on at least 55 gallons.
How to make it work
- Target the overlapping water-parameter range and acclimate slowly.
Sort it with: GH remineraliser
Design the whole tank, not just the stocking
Skapelab plans a complete, buildable planted aquarium around your fish — a hand-illustrated layout, the exact plants and hardscape, a placement map, and a full equipment and shopping list. Free.
Design a tank with Thick-lipped Gourami, Blue Phantom Pleco →Everything compatible with Thick-lipped Gourami · …with Blue Phantom Pleco