Planted 50G long

[Slappy*McFish]

Well, my old 55g tank decided to spring a leak on me a couple of nights ago and I needed a replacement tank in a hurry. I ended up purchasing a 50G long. It has the same footprint as the 55g but is 2" shorter. I actually prefer it to the 55g in terms of aesthetics.

I went ahead and replaced my old substrate (Eco-complete for Cichlids and plain black gravel) with a mixture of Flourite and pool filter sand. (about 90lbs)

I reused all the existing plants and added a few more from my overgrown 10g along with a few extra showcase plants bought from a seller (customdrum) on the forum.

So far the tank houses just a lone Polypterus Senegalus. Suggestions for tankmates are welcome. I was thinking of a pair of Angelfish along with maybe a Vampire Pleco and some Brochis cats....or just a big school of Congo Tetras.

Lighting is 110W PC, filtration includes an Emperor 400, AC 110, and a HOT Magnum. No CO2 at the moment. Dosing dry ferts, Flourish Tabs and Flourish Excel. I may go pressurized some time in the future.

Here are a few pics:

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[mellowvision]

sweet.

[tap]

yea nice tank, that fish is pretty sweet

[tap]

yeaa

[thebrandon]

bichirs are awesome fish:) I have 2 myself

[7itanium]

I swear... im going to go on a shooting rampage and take out all the **** aquascapers on this site!!!

WHY, OH WHY cant my planted tanks look this nice.... and you people make it seem like it was effortless?

nice tank...

[pinkertd]

Beautiful tank Slappy!!!!:thm::thm:

[snoopy65]

Very nice tank!

[ChrisK]

Great looking tank :)

[JAY973]

Looks great! keep up the good work.

[noodles62]

Beautiful tank! I love the wood. Congos would look sweet in there.

[SMinNC]

Looks great like it is.
And the bichir looks like he's cruisin' around enjoying it all by its self.

I've never had one. But wondering if he would still move around like he seems to, with other fish added?

I think I'd be happy with everything left as it is. IE let the plants grow in, and let him be the show peice. :huh:

[BoCoMo]

Well Mr. McFish.... I think you have one fine tank there! :D

[Slappy*McFish]

Thanks for the kind words, everyone. I'll keep you guys updated as the plants grow and fill in.
I'm still open to future stocking ideas, as well. Just has to be compatible with the Bichir. He is the show piece. ;)

[saram521]

Great tank! I like the look of the 50L over a standard 55, too. I didn't even know a 50L existed! I really want a poly too, but am worried it would take out medium sized fish (5"-6") once it became an adult. If it would be safe around medium sized fish, you could consider a school of Glossolepis incisus. The males are very pretty! I've seen people keep only 2-3 males with no females and not experience problems with the males fighting.

[Slappy*McFish]

Interesting suggestion. I've never kept Rainbows before but Glossolepis Incisus does have some impressive color. Thanks. :)

[chonhzilla]

get a datnoid. They love planted tanks.

[Slappy*McFish]

I love Datnoids and my tank would be a perfect setup for one except for the fact that it just isn't big enough to house them long-term. Maybe when I set up a much larger tank, I'll get a few. I've always wanted some.

[chonhzilla]

Datnoids look amazing. True, though for the long term long that wouldn't be able to house one. Oh well maybe house it for a few years. Just get a small one. JK.

[BettaFishMommy]

that tank is just gorgeous! and really like the substrate too.