View Full Version : 55 gallon tips?
Crystal520
06-24-2008, 4:06 PM
We just got a great deal on a 55 gallon setup off of craigslist.org.....tank, lights, filter, heater, bubble bar, gravel, stand and some extras for $150!!!! All almost brand new! Anyway, we got it setup and running last night (no fish in it yet) and was wondering if yall had any tips for us? We have 3 balas in a 30 gallon that we are going to put in this new one (they are going to much happier!)
Sarge_857
06-24-2008, 4:09 PM
We just got a great deal on a 55 gallon setup off of craigslist.org.....tank, lights, filter, gravel, stand and some extras for $150!!!! All almost brand new! Anyway, we got it setup and running last night (no fish in it yet) and was wondering if yall had any tips for us? We have 3 balas in a 30 gallon that we are going to put in this new one (they are going to much happier!)
balas get HUGE. do you plan on having a tank bigger in the future for them?
my 55 stock is in my signature. cichlids are very nice, bristlenose plecos or a smaller kind of pleco would do nicely. how big are the balas now?
petluvr
06-24-2008, 4:18 PM
You do know about cycling don't you?
Hooked Newbie
06-24-2008, 4:54 PM
Good deal and welcome to AC. Please start here... http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84598.
The Balas as pointed out get quite large so if you're not planning on a REALLY big tank in the future you may need to entertain the thought of returning them to your LFS (Local Fish Store). The 55 is a great tank size IMO though and offers alot of options for fish stocking. What type of fish do YOU like? My favorite tanks usually include this basic "formula"... 1-2 "Centerpiece" fish (~6" max size), 1 large school of schooling fish (Tetras or Barbs- not Tiger), and 1 decent sized school of bottom dwellers (Loaches or Cories). Of course if you were to go with African Cichlids, that's a whole different ball game. Read up here and check out the gallery for ideas. Starting right will make everything a ton more enjoyable for you! :)
jm1212
06-24-2008, 5:26 PM
this might be able to give you some ideas (http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1459108#post1459108)
unfortunatley, balas will quickly outgrow your 55 gallon. if you cannot provide the 6 foot tank that they require, you may want to consider returning them.
Crystal520
06-25-2008, 12:27 PM
Yes are tank is cycling right now. We are planning on keeping our balas for a little longer and than selling them back. We may add our silver dollars today if the tempature is right. We only have 2 of those. Anyway, do you recommend live plants or fake plants?
Hooked Newbie
06-25-2008, 12:57 PM
I've never kept them myself, but from what I've read Silver Dollars will shred live plants.
Crystal520
06-25-2008, 1:57 PM
I've never kept them myself, but from what I've read Silver Dollars will shred live plants.
Uh oh. Well we will see.....I hope not though.
cichlidsrextrem
07-03-2008, 9:32 PM
is it cycled???
is it cycled???
...
Yes are tank is cycling right now. We are planning on keeping our balas for a little longer and than selling them back. We may add our silver dollars today if the tempature is right. We only have 2 of those. Anyway, do you recommend live plants or fake plants?
Rbishop
07-04-2008, 7:01 AM
Are you transfering media from the other tank?
If you just set it up last night, 6/23, it isn't cycling just by having water in it.