Center piece fish for 5 gal

[Tinyfellows]

I’m debating between getting one scarlet badis or a sparkling gourami for the centerpiece fish for my 5 gal heavily planted tank. There are 8 chili rasboras and rcs in there currently. Currently my nitrates never get above 10 ppm and I’m willing to do water changes two or three times a week if need be. As this is my only tank so I am able to and willing to dedicate a lot of time into upkeep. Any thoughts? 

[FrozenFins]

I would say...

If you going to do with either a sparkiling gourami or scarlet badis, keep them in groups. Because your tank is heavily planted I would go with three of either/ or. Personally I would go with the gouramis, they are super neat to watch.

[Eddie Dingle]

A sparkling gourami might enjoy hunting and devouring your cherry shrimp. I'd hate for you to have all your shrimp eaten.  

Edited March 15, 2021 by Eddie Dingle
Edit to add detail.

[Tinyfellows]

@Eddie Dingle I’m actually hoping for some population control once they start breeding since I’ve just got the one tank. I was going to wait till the colony grows to introduce either. 

[Tinyfellows]

@James B I was thinking of just doing one to try an avoid any aggression issues do you think the good benefits of having a group would out weigh the potential issues? 

[Daniel]

I have kept both sparkling gouramis and scarlet badis and the sparkling gouramis have more personality hands down.

[Brian]

Sorry if I repeat someone else.  I have kept and spawned both.  The Badis is not a centerpiece fish.  In my opinion, will hide more than you want in a heavily planted aquarium.  I would go with the gourami.  
Good Luck 

[Tinyfellows]

@Brian no worries I love having as much input as possible! Thanks 

[Daniel]

@Irene the 'Girl Talks Fish' just posted a good video about centerpiece fish for the nano aquarium.