Got Tank, Now What?

[BanalityBob]

So, I realize I started a thread about this recently, however, there have been some changes, and I don't want to muddy up a thread and get confused and get confused replies.

I got my tank. It is a 30 gallon breeder (36" long x 18" wide x 12" tall), and I need some help stocking it. I asked around my local shops (all I could find within an hour drive of me), and none order Y. sidthimunki, at least not for prices I can afford (one shop said they'd order them in for $15 a pop, but needed to order at leas a dozen at a time, and I wasn't sure I could keep that many or drop $174 on fish all at once), and I hate having living animals delivered, because I work 11 hour days at work and don't want fish sitting on my doorstep. Due to my tank having a slightly larger base than standard 30 gallons, I was hoping to get recommendations on some other species I could possibly house. I've been looking at B. Striata and B. Kubotai, because both are readily available in my area, and was wondering if either of them could be housed in my aquarium.

I was thinking, based on profiles and what I can find on the internet, that I could possibly keep a group of 5-6 of either with a school of 12 Zebra Danios (or maybe Cherry Barbs), and maybe a Pearl Gourami. Does that sound like a working tank or is it badly overstocked? AqAdvisor.com says its 79% stocked, and I usually try to stay well under fully stocked according to that site.

Thanks for any help!

[starsplitter7]

I think the pearl gourami would be too big.

But I think striata and danios would work well. Maybe a small species of rainbow. I have rainbows and giant danios, but my tank is bigger. They all school together, after making a pecking order.

[Diana]

A Pearl Gourami (ONE) is OK in that tank, but skip the Danios, they nip, and prefer cooler water. Pearl Gouramis are warm water fish. A school of something that thrive in warm water is best. Harlequin Rasboras are good. A nice school of a dozen or so.
For the bottom, Corys are pretty obvious, but watch their temperature requirements. Many thrive in cooler water.