Setting Up a New 55 gal

[BigBlue]

Ok guys, I'm new here but have had tanks off and on (more off than on) for most of my 40+ years. I just got the go ahead from the War Department to set up a new 55 freshwater which is going to be my first tank in years. I've got a couple of questions:

1) Can I cycle using dwarf gouramis ? If so, how many would you recommend ? And, if not gouramis, what fish would you recommend ??

2) My plans for the tank are an eclectic mix of Dwarf Gouramis, Angels, Corys, and perhaps a small school of some sort of Tetras. Does this sound OK ?

I plan to set up the tank with a Marineland Emperor 400 filter and a fair assortment of wood, rocks, and (unfortunately) plastic plants.

Does all this sound like a good plan or do I need to re-think ??

Any and all feedback is appreciated !!

[Captain Hook]

1. I'm not sure but I think the corys may be a more hardy fish to cycle with.

2. Be careful with angels and tetras. I have heard that angels like to make meals out of smaller tetras like neons.

As for the fake plants, I have some in my 35 gallon now that actually look pretty good. I think they are silk but not sure. Anyways, they don't look that bad in my opinion. Obviously not as nice as real plants but a fraction of the maintenance.

Welcome to the forums!

[BigBlue]

I wasn't really considering Neons, more like Bleeding Hearts or Black Skirts.

[SnakeIce]

you can cycle the tank without harming any fish in the process. Just use pure amonia to cycle it. and when you are done you can add all the fish you are planning to keep in it(within reason)

[SnakeIce]

there is a link in the archived help sticky post that goes into fishless cycling... hope that helps

[demon_surfer]

yeah do the fishless cycle. and then when you are done you can put all the fish you want in all at once instead of having to put them in a few at a time and risk killing them all.