Redoing 55 Gallon Tank...Suggestions Needed

[frp13187]

I'm completely redoing my 55 gallon tank and need suggestions as to how to stock it. One option is to stock it with rams, tetras, and possibly some bottom feeders. How many of each could be stocked in a 55?

My other option is to make an EBJD the centerpiece of the tank. What else could be stocked with the EBJD to make the tank lively and looking full?

Any suggestions are appreciated.

[andyjs]

I like both ideas.

For the ram tank, you could do 1 or 2 pairs of rams, 6-8 cories, and the maybe about 20 small tetras like cardinals and 8-10 hatchets for the top level.

For the EBJD tank, a variety of swordtails would be active, colorful dithers

[MonteSS]

If you dont mind mixing CA and SA, tou can do the EBJD and a pair of Bolivian Rams. Plus cories and larger Tetras. I have Blue red Columbian Tetras that are 2"+ and a pretty and hardy dither.

...Bill

[nano cichlids]

EBJD are great community cichlids I like Montess idea just mix all them together with either tetra or swordtail for dither fish. Personaly I'd go with swords I love them you can get some really nice ones to.

[frp13187]

I think I am leaning toward the ram tank because then I am able to fill the tank a little more and it won't look as empty.

Would this stock work long term in a 55?

4 Rams (Balloon species)
20 Cardinal Tetras
10 hatchetfish
1 Pleco

If I were to add two more rams (to make it 6) would that be pushing it or would I still be OK?

[andyjs]

6 would probably be pushing it as far as territory, but with lots of plants, driftwood, etc. to break up lines of sight, it might work.

What pleco species are you thinking? I would recommend a bristlenose or clown pleco. Both are pretty good algae eaters and stay pretty small.

[frp13187]

I don't know if this makes a difference or not, but I was planning on buying them either as a group of 4 or 6, not as pairs. Whether or not they pair up is to be determined. Does this change anything?

[nano cichlids]

Just get 4 and play it safe you'd have to really pack that rank with decos so each pair can have there own territory. You could run into Hugh aggression levels if you get 3 pairs in a 55.

[frp13187]

Good point. I'll go with the 4 rams. I like the suggestion of cardinal tetras and hatchetfish too.

So the final stock would be:

4 Balloon Rams (2 blue and 2 gold)
20 cardinal tetras
8 hatchetfish
1 small pleco

Sound good?

[nano cichlids]

Sounds good to me. But just personally I'd put swordtail or guppy in the tank, I'm not a fan of hatchetfish, but your opinion is different than mine make suew you post pics of your tank!

[Pittbull]

Also if you want a hardier Tetra go with the Black Neon Tetras they are more robust and Hardier and not super demanding on the PH quality of the water..

[MonteSS]

IME German Blue and Gold rams are very hard to keep alive. Same with Cardinal Tetras. Just dont want to see you disapointed if the die for no apparent reason.

Bolivian rams are easier to keep.

GL...Bill