new 55 gal.

[fishman101]

i just bought a brand new 55 gal. cherrywood tank with the glass top...now im stumped.....dont now what type of setup to do..planted-cichlid-maybe a goldfish tank..also wanted to use a sump fiter would this be ok for any of these setups and for co2....any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.....:) :) :)

[lee914]

I personally would not use a sump for any set up. Fish wise depends on what you like, it is up to you. I think Goldfish are way too boring so I would go with the Cichlid tank, no live plants as well. All of this is pretty much up to you though. Whatever you do though...have fun!:D

[username]

get a Longnose Gar or a Bowfin. i think a those fish might get to big for a 55 gallon

[lee914]

Some cool cichlids I have had that i think are really a lot of fun to watch and feed are Oscars(best personality), Pike Cichlids, Jack Dempsy, Convict, Green Terror, and maybe the Needle fish, Wolffish, but keep in mind they will rearrange the tank to what they like as well. You cannot keep all of these together but most(Wolffish is very aggressive) be careful and choose tank mates wisely.

[jeffro426]

I started out my 55 with 6 juv. Mbuna and there all doing really well...i started to add plants slowly and for the most part, their doing really well. They destroyed my Java Fern but my anarchis and java moss are doing quite well. I think it really livened the tank up as just rocks in my opinion is kinda boring. I wouldnt recomend oscars cuz they will quickly outgrow a 55 unless your only going to keep 1. Smaller species of cichlids are probably your best bet...for the most part they have colors on par with most saltwater tanks and are pretty hardy. My next project is going to be a 100 gallon heavily planted community which im hoping to get up and running by this spring.

[steve_bkk]

Another cichlid that I liked was the FireMouth. Lot of fun too. Convicts will multiply easilly.

I've been keeping Goldfish for the last few years. I like them. They are hardy and don't chew each other up like many cichlids do.
So' I'd go with Golfish.