Water Parameters
pH 6.5-7.5, moderate hardness (GH 5-10), temperature 24-28°C. Cleaner water than Amazon biotopes.
Tap water in most of Asia suits rainbowfish without treatment.
Tank Setup
150L minimum for a shoal of 6-8 rainbows. Long tank with open swimming space and driftwood sides.
Fine gravel substrate. Plants along sides and back. Open center for shoaling.
Fish Combinations
Boesemani rainbowfish (2-color body), Parkinson's rainbowfish (orange), Red Neon rainbowfish (small red).
Mix 2-3 species of similar size. 6+ of each. Bottom layer: pygmy corydoras or catfish.
Plants and Lighting
Vallisneria, Amazon swords, Aponogeton natans. Medium lighting — rainbow colors show best under neutral spectrum.
Floating water lettuce or hornwort diffuses light and adds natural cover.