Sub Tropical Tank Mates for Dojos??

[soul-hugger]

I have been having trouble stocking my 55 Gallon tank. I am trying to set it up to gear toward my dojos. There are three of them, and they are 3, 6, and 7 inches long. The temperature is always between 73 and 75 degrees.

The only other fish right now are:
3 Kuhli Oblongas (they were in cold water at the LFS)
3 White Tetras, and
2 Gold Barbs.

I would like to increase the school size of both the barbs and the kuhlis. Even the kuhlis could be moved if necessary to join my other school of kuhlis in the smaller tank. The tetras may have to be moved and might do better in the warmer tank, though they have been great so far.

I wouldn't mind perhaps getting another type of loach, but couldn't be sure which ones may like their water at this temperature. Although I like Clown Loaches, I would like to hold off on them until I can be certain I can get a larger tank. I have been reading about them and would not want to see them stunted because the tank is too small. I am all for only getting fish I can house and care for in the immediate present, without having to worry about upgrading, and for the natural and humane treatment of all animals.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated

Thanks, and
Happy New Year
soul-hugger

[Diana]

Other fish that thrive in cool water:

Rosy Barbs (If you have very fast water flow avoid the long finned ones, they are poor swimmers. The short finned ones are fine)

Platies

White Cloud Minnows

Pepper Cories and several other species. Not all Cories are cool water fish, but a little research at planet catfish would provide a list of half a dozen that can handle temps into the upper 60sF (about 20*C)

Spotted Raphael, certain Synodontis and other cats. Mostly these hide, though.

Certain Loricariads (again, planet catfish)

Barbs: There are quite a few Barbs that will handle low temperatures.
B. semifasciolatus, B. ticto, Tiger Barb and others.

Danios: Zebras will handle cooler water than most of the others, but look into this group, too. In general they will provide a lot of upper tank action.