Time to start finalizing my livestock choices, 55g community tank

55g tank is setup and will be starting my fishless cycle tomorrow and figured I better get my fish picked out so I can run to the LFS and start adding right away.
I will be adding a couple of java ferns or something similar and giving that a whirl if it makes a difference as well.

Current plans...

8 Tetras I like the black tetras but also seems like the Cardinals are a tighter schooling fish.
8 Zebra Danios, not entirely set on these but I know the LFS carries them and they are a neat looking fish.
Any other schooling fish to consider?

4 Panda Cory catfish
4 Bengal Loaches


How would Tiger/Cherry/Snackskin Barbs, Mollys (black?), or a Cobra Guppy, or a smaller/dwarf Gouramis do? Thinking I need a "show fish" of some sort. I like Angel's but from what I've read that's a no go.
Also read about Harlequin Rasbora's but haven't seen any at the LFS.

Since I am doing a fishless cycle, how many fish should I add at a time? I'll probably start with the tetras or danios since those are the easiest to get here. I'll either have to drive to get the others or apparently you can mail order fish :uhoh:?


Tank specs:
55g
sand substrate w/ lava rocks
fluval 306 canister filter
2 100w heaters
hydor evolution powerhead


Thanks a bunch!

Adding fish when cycle is complete. I don't want to cycle the tank and then be sitting around wondering what I want to put in it.

FreshyFresh said:

Sounds like a nice setup TX and some good ideas. I've got a 55 and it's my favorite tank.

You'll change your mind 10x before and then constantly after you stock the tank. LOL!

Hey those snake skin barbs are cool. As is my custom.. I've never seen those before.

Click to expand...

Snake skins are definitely going to happen! Along with about 50 other fish I recently discovered today :/

Saw some Clown Killifish, Celestial Pearl Danios and Pseudomugil Rainbow fish today and they are also really cool.

I'm set on the Cardinal Tetras, Snake Skins, Panda or Sterba Corys, and Yoyo or Zebra Loaches and will start there. After those are in, who knows!

AqAdvisor is saying yoyo's will eat everybody so probably will go with Zebra's unless I hear different

I'll try to remember to get a picture of the tank while it's cycling if I don't forget. I'm happy the way it's turned out so far.

Tank is cycled as of Friday! Tested again last night to make sure I wasn't seeing things and still 0ppm NH3/NO2 and about 30ppm NO3 and pH of 8. Was going to do a WC but it was late. Won't be able to get fish until Tuesday more than likely so I'll do a WC today and keep dosing ammonia until then.

I've been dosing 5ppm ammonia so how many fish can I add on Tuesday? I've read where 5ppm should allow you to completely stock the tank? If that's the case I should be good adding 10ish fish without starting a mini cycle?