Preparing to Stock a 55 gallon...

[KuchDaddy]

I just got a 55 gallon tank and I am trying to decide what to put in it.. Does this population seem appropriate?

8 Harlequin Rasbora or some similar schooling fish
3 Angelfish
4 yoyo loach
1 rainbow shark
1 siamese algae eater.

Lots of plants and driftwood.

Please let me know if you think this is too much, I would prefer to err on the side of fewer fish to avoid overcrowding.

Also, do you think it makes much difference in what order the fish are added? Obviously they would be added gradually over a long period of time.

Any input is appreciated!

[kjr928]

I would get an even number of angels because they like to pair up and it's better not to have an outsider.

It's possible the rainbow shark might get nasty with the loaches and algae eater (mine occassionally gets nasty with my loaches and otto). Maybe a red tailed shark would be better? I don't know much about them though so don't take my word for it.

I'd like to see other responses on this topic.

[KuchDaddy]

Maybe a red tailed shark would be better?

I had thought that red tailed sharks were more aggressive than rainbows. I actually like them better than rainbows, but I thought they would harrass the other fish. Hmmm, like u said, it'll be nice to hear what others have to say. Thanks!

[Coler]

don't know about the rest but try 3 Angels so long as you can bring one back - better chance that a pair will form and you will then have a better chance therefore of getting 2 compatible Angels. If a pair forms it will be very obvious - they won't tolerate the spare wheel.

[kjr928]

Maybe a red tailed shark would be better?

I had thought that red tailed sharks were more aggressive than rainbows. I actually like them better than rainbows, but I thought they would harrass the other fish. Hmmm, like u said, it'll be nice to hear what others have to say. Thanks!

Well, I heard that the rainbow sharks were the nastiest, but my source is questionable. I never researched it myself. :)

Good luck!

[Dwarf Puffers]

Rainbow sharks and red tails are about the same in nastiness IMHO, there isn't that much different between the two. Although you hear more horror stories about the red tails, they're also more popular ;)

[jpappy789]

I would be a little nervous about the shark and angel combo but see how it works out first, then adapt if necessary :)

[KuchDaddy]

I may just skip the shark and bump the Angels up to 4.

[jm1212]

you may want to keep only one angel. that way you can have a bigger school of harlequins (well, you'd have room already) and perhaps some more loaches.

RTBS and rainbow sharks are both equally aggressive and not the best tankmates for angels or yoyos

[elementkid65]

Yoyo loaches and angels are not a good match IMO either. The activity level of the yoyos will disturb the angels. Not to mention that angels prefer calm water while yoyos prefer rapid moving water.
.

[KuchDaddy]

Wow thanks for the the responses!
Not having the yoyos does put a monkey wrench in my plans. Oh well, I'll have to come up with something else. Maybe some corys.

[KuchDaddy]

But I do like them yoyos

Perhaps there is another largish fish that could act as my "centerpiece" fish that would still get along with the yoyos? Any suggestions?

[Lupin]

But I do like them yoyos

Perhaps there is another largish fish that could act as my "centerpiece" fish that would still get along with the yoyos? Any suggestions?
Hard to say what centerpiece you really like. What do you have in mind? I'm simply eyeing the giant danios as the centerpiece. I have severums with yoyo loaches but they may or may not eat the rasboras. This is the only issue with severums despite being rather mild-mannered.

[KuchDaddy]

I just read a bit about the severums, they seem very cool, particularly behavior-wise, but do you think they might be too big for a 55 gal? Maybe a pair would be fine?

What I REALLY like are clown loaches, but from what I have read I think they will eventually outgrow a 55 gal community tank.

[Lupin]

I just read a bit about the severums, they seem very cool, particularly behavior-wise, but do you think they might be too big for a 55 gal? Maybe a pair would be fine?
55G is minimum for a spawning pair but definitely pick only one.

What I REALLY like are clown loaches, but from what I have read I think they will eventually outgrow a 55 gal community tank.
Unfortunately it is true.