[What options do I have for a 55 gallon?]

On 4/23/2024 at 4:34 PM, Billipo said:

I'm assuming this is your feature tank set up in your residence community space. One thing I would consider is the viewing of the tank.

If you are going to primarily enjoy your tank standing up to the glass, then probably any "appropriate" 55G. stocking scheme would work.

If you plan on primarily viewing from a distance like relaxing on the couch across the room, then I'd recommend larger specimen fish.

My two cents. 

Yes it will be! What would you suggest for larger fish stocking?

[What options do I have for a 55 gallon?]

On 4/22/2024 at 6:35 PM, mynameisnobody said:

Those cod’s are not going to eat with Kali Tawa’s and rummynose tetras in there. These are not shy fish, unlike the cpd’s and possibly even the gourami. 

Yeah I’ve been rethinking that since I posted, I’m researching perimeters and behaviors on all before the tank is even set up. Just listed what I liked, then I’m looking over everything and weeding out won’t work.  

[What options do I have for a 55 gallon?]

On 4/17/2024 at 11:00 AM, anewbie said:

I'd get your gh/kh tested - vaguely it sounds like you might have harder water and if so i'd drop your current stocking plans and go for either central american fishes or lake malwai fishes. Also keep in mind  you have a narrow tall box so it favors short tall fishes as oppose to long fishes. 

 

Nearly every fish you have mentioned so far favor softwater. Why make a square peg fit in a round hole ?

 

Yeah, I thought of cichlid, but honestly I don’t want to deal with the tank aggression I’ve heard of with them. And, generally just haven interested me much. 

 

I’ll have to look at the Kh, to see where it’s at. 

For most other fish though, is it harmful/ stressful to have a high Kh? I’ve been told stable parameters and slow acclimating are most important, most species can adapt to KH.  

[What options do I have for a 55 gallon?]

On 4/15/2024 at 5:35 PM, madmark285 said:

How about Odessa Barbs? Nice color and mine are more hyper than the Tiger Barbs. The ones I got from Aqua Huna are coloring up much better than the PetCo ones I got a few years ago.

 

 

I had never heard of those, they are beautiful!! Are they peaceful ish? Like nip slower fish fins. Or mostly inner species?

[What options do I have for a 55 gallon?]

Yeah currently this is a rough idea of a stock list. 
 

Tank stock list:::

Rummy nose tetra x15

Long fin Bristlenose pleco  x2

Kuhili loach x7

Melanotaenia sp. "Kali Tawa" x 6

Honey gourami or pearl gourami 

Cpd x10

I still need to look into those species before I decide for sure… also need more driftwood for the Pleccos. 

[What options do I have for a 55 gallon?]

On 4/14/2024 at 9:57 PM, mynameisnobody said:

Agreed with everyone up top, but I will also add Melanotaenia Kali Tawa. They’ll thrive with basically anything else you add, other than extremely sedate fish. They are a bit pricey, but they are spectacular. Top out around 3” and both males and females look incredible which is rare in the rainbow fish world. 

I love them!! I love the white fins that highlight. Now I’ll have to see if I can find a place that I could even order/ that’s recommended to order from. Aquahuna doesn’t carry them, unfortunately. 

[What options do I have for a 55 gallon?]

On 4/14/2024 at 10:37 AM, Schuyler said:

That's a deep tank you'll want some real plants and/or plants that do well with low light

Stuff like Amazon swords, crypts, and anubias. A bonus is that those type of plants are easier to maintain because you don't have to trim them like stem plants

I may end up upgrading the light at some point, but I for sure love Amazon swords!! They get huge and beautiful. I use aquarium co-op root tabs and easy green when needed so it should do good. 

[What options do I have for a 55 gallon?]

On 4/14/2024 at 3:59 PM, Lennie said:

I would suggest finding the centerpiece fish you love, and building a tank around it.

I know wanting to hear about suggestions is a very common thing but I barely even remember sticking with the stocking plans I make myself. When I visit LFSs, having a chance to observe fish IRL(videos and pictures online may not reflect what you have IRL tbh) changes everything. I personally believe bonding with fish so 

 

I would start doing a fishless cycle, and meanwhile, if you have access to visit LFSs around, I would visit them during the cycling journey do decide your centerpiece fish(es). This would let you observe the fish, making your research about the care requirements of what you love in person, and prevent impulsive buying in the future.

 

 

Yes!! I do this a lot and always research the species that catch my eye. The problem is my LFS is okay but not great, and gets really common things in usually. The other is a PetSmart usually with sickly fish. 
I do plan on a fishless cycle, just wanted to get an idea on what I want to go for/ order online or hunt for a local breeder of that species. 
 

Thank you for this input! It’s always to keep in mind when building a tank 🙂

On 4/14/2024 at 8:36 PM, AtomicSunfish said:

Yep, that’s a good way to put into words, what I think people actually want to do. 👍

Sounds the OP is thinking of pearl gouramis as the centerpiece fish, along with kuhli loaches for the bottom. So, a tropical Asian community (doesn’t mean you can’t use other tropical realms, but there are advantages to staying in-realm).

Pearl gouramis are top layers and large, kuhlis are bottom and small. For mid-water dither fish, you could use Asian minnows like danios or rasboras.

So for example, you could go with 4 pearl gouramis (recommend 1 male with 3 females), a dozen minnows (danios and/or rasbora), and 10 kuhli loaches (they’re social). And  that would be a nice tropical Asian community! 😃

 

Yes!! Something like that would be beautiful! I know I’ve been looking at rice fish too recently, I’d have to look into detailed care just they come from (I believe?) Japan, and are hardy. 
 

I picked the tank up today and it ended up being 65 gallons! Little more room lol, and tons of extras. 

[What options do I have for a 55 gallon?]

Possibly I guess! I’m researching on the species that fit that category! Do you have any suggestions? 

[What options do I have for a 55 gallon?]

Probably a peaceful community for now. 
the Ph around here sits at 7.6 usually with the stratum buffering. 
 

I don’t mind adding some tannins, but wouldn’t want it too dark! I like a more natural tank, or landscape. So far I’ve been using spider wood and dragon stone. Probably more of a River vibe? I’m not great at aqua scraping so I’m open to new ideas as well. 
 

I love schools, and centerpiece fish! I like an active tank with some color. 

[What options do I have for a 55 gallon?]

Hello,

I’m just now getting a bigger tank after a few years with my 20!
I found someone with a loaded 55 gallon with stand for cheap. Comes with aqua sky light, fluval 407 canister filters and all the extras.
I’m super excited, but am not even sure what I’d like to have other than a community tank. I love pearl gouramis so maybe a few of those? Kuhili loaches or something interesting?

Any tips on canister filters are appreciated too, I’ve never had one!

I’m planning on using fluval stratum for substrate, hopefully heavy planted tank when it grows in. I’ve attached a picture of the tank, and would love suggestions!

Thank you!
 

[Aquascaping ideas and help?]

Thank you! I’m going to try to look up videos on my day off to set an idea, mostly I’m just having problems figuring out how to arrange the plants! No matter which way I put them they don’t seem to look good. I’d be able to try different plants to if I can get an idea of what would go good. 

[Aquascaping ideas and help?]

Hello all! I’m new to keeping bigger tanks, and am looking for some aquascaping advice!
 

I’m going for a heavily planted, no CO2 in a 20 gallon. My substrate is Fluval stratum, and I’m planning on using easy green. It’ll have blue neocardina, and I’m thinking 2 honey gourami, some ember tetras or chili rasbora. Maybe cories or a nerite or two. 
 

I’m Getting flamingo crypt and have some  of ludwegia repens, anubias nana, hygrophila difformis, elodea anacharis, pogostemon stellatus, and sagittaria subulata. Also have one that stays smaller I can’t remember the name of, but it’s up front to the left lol.