morphy1701

Hmmm.... that is a good idea. Hadn't thought of that. My biggest issue was getting the tank ready for a new fish or sick fish without waiting the month or so for the water to be healthy. Right now I just siphon the water out of my main tank, but I worry about crap that has settled in the tank while it was dry.

Well, it's not flashy, but if you want indestructible it's hard to go wrong with a pleco. BUT NOT A COMMON!!!! As much as I love common plecos, they get huge. I kept one for close to 10 years in a 55 and he never outgrew it, but I was fully aware I might have to give to my friend if needed. Absolutely beautiful fish and nothing bothered him. But for any other tank, get a bristlenose pleco. Beautiful fish, active, great at cleaning, and tons of personality. I doubt I will ever have another freshwater tank without at least one pleco again. Same for most Cory's. Cute fish and always busy.

Probably a tire track eel. My dad had one that was at least a foot long when I was little and I loved him. Unfortunately our house burned down and of course, the aquarium didn't survive. I have the tank for it now, but I'm worried I wouldn't have the time to dedicate since they can be picky about eating sometimes. Maybe when I'm a little closer to retirement and not working so much!

I had an electric blue Jack Dempsey who was lovely, but I didn't do enough research and so failed to realize they were really a crap shoot for health. Was fine and then just slowly declined. I quarantined him but didn't help. So I want to get a much more hardy fish that will get large and be the eye-catcher. I love Angels and would love one, but wife doesn't like angels and daughter wants something blue. hence the Acara. I'm really excited to introduce one to the tank and see him grow up.

Excellent! That was my first choice! TY!

I only have one tank (a 55) and don't really plan on having another tank (ie I don't have a fish room). But I want to keep a standing quarantine tank (I have a 10 gallon). Not planning to keep any fish in it except when need. Maybe some snails? Is there a general rule for keeping a standing tank with no fish in it? Just do regular water changes or not?

Kinda new, kinda not. I kept fish in my college days some 20 years ago with decent success. My best fish were a pair of Oscars in my 55. They grew up and grew old together. Loved those fish. But with work and kids I just didn't have time for it anymore. Now I've started up again since my kids are interested and I have a little more time now. I currently have 6 Colombian Blue Tetras, 4 Glo Tetras, 2 Yo-Yo Loaches, 3 Bronze Corys, and 1 Chocolate Bristlenose Pleco. Oh, and a herd of Trumpet snails (although the loaches have been reducing that population!). Looking to add that one, big showpiece fish and have narrowed it down to four: an Electric Blue Acara, an Angelfish of some sort, a Pearl Gourami, or a Geophaugus Tapajos. (I've wouldn't mind a Flag Cichlid, but never seen one in the local stores). That will be the only big fish with only the bigger Tetras and bottom fish to keep it company so I don't expect aggression to be an issue. Any advice/recommendations?