Byron, this is actually a 56 gal column tank so it is 30" w x 18" d x 24" h. Would you still recommend 2 heaters or just the one?
I would still have two. The volume is enough that one heater will have to work very hard to keep the temp, depending of course upon the ambient room temperature. I see you are in Texas, so presumably your winters may not lower the temperature much. But assuming the room temperature is not going to be at the intended tank temp, the heater(s) are still working, and two work less often than one alone which means there is less chance of failure. Plus, if one does fail, you still have a backup to cover until you see it. Don't skimp on heaters, this is the single most important piece of equipment. Lights can fail, filters can fail, and you are not in real trouble; but a heater failure overnight can mean diseased or dead fish. Eheim is a very reliable brand, and I assume the heater is the Eheim Jager. This is what I now buy when I need a heater. And I would go with the 200w.
The look of play sand or pool filter sand are both nice. I most likely will go this route. The only worry I have is gas pockets.
I thought this too in the years I had gravel, but anaerobic areas are going to occur in any substrate. Sand does not "pack" that much if it is not greater depth than you need, you have plants, and you can also get the Malaysian Livebearing Snail as these burrow throughout the substrate. I've had play sand for three years now in five of my tanks, and no problems. Anaerobic zones are essential for a healthy and complete biological system anyway. I like the grayish mix look of Quikrete Play Sand. If you go with pool sand, avoid white.
Since I got a bigger tank than I initially expected, once I get it setup and it is cycling then I will go back and figure out the larger fish that I will put in it. From what I've read the Pearl's are peaceful. Is it more the Angelfish that are the problem? Since this is a tall tank if I had to choose between the two types I would probably go with the Angelfish.
Angelfish are a shoaling fish by nature, so it would be best to have a group of five or six. You can have just one, but in my view it will look "odd." I posted a video of an ideal angelfish tank in another thread, you might find it interesting:
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?278305-Can-angelfish-live-alone
I have no problem upping the cory's to a group of 6 if that means they will be happier. The pleco will be the last fish I add and I will get one that doesn't get over 5-6" when full grown.
More is always better with shoaling fish, and you have the space so I would say at least 12 corys. One species, or combine species, but if the latter try to have a few of each species. I really like corys, so I have several species, 12 or 13 in the 115g and just one (so far) in the 70g.
Is there anything else I am missing? I appreciate the advice. I prefer to take my time and do it the best way possible the first time.
You mentioned plants initially and I missed that question, sorry. The "Current" light I assume is LED; I know next to nothing of LED as I'm still using T8, lol, but I have heard that Current is decent plant light. But if others with LED experience advise something else...fine. This will give you moderate4 light I would assume, and no diffused CO2 was mentioned, so we are talking natural or low-tech planted tank here. The common Amazon Sword,
Echinodorus grisebachii (E. bleherae), is ideal. One of the larger swords like
E. macrophyllus or
E. cordifolius in a rear corner would be nice. Brazilian Pennywort is one of the few stem plants that grows well with moderate lighting. Depending upon the depth and light intensity, substrate plants might be difficult here, but some that could work are the crypts and pygmy chain sword. Or you could go more "authentic" for typical tropical watercourses and have sand with several bits of wood and some branches, the sword plants, and floating plants. The pennywort grows nicely floating too.
Byron.
