55 gallon tips?

[Crystal520]

We just got a great deal on a 55 gallon setup off of craigslist.org.....tank, lights, filter, heater, bubble bar, gravel, stand and some extras for $150!!!! All almost brand new! Anyway, we got it setup and running last night (no fish in it yet) and was wondering if yall had any tips for us? We have 3 balas in a 30 gallon that we are going to put in this new one (they are going to much happier!)

 

[Sarge_857]

We just got a great deal on a 55 gallon setup off of craigslist.org.....tank, lights, filter, gravel, stand and some extras for $150!!!! All almost brand new! Anyway, we got it setup and running last night (no fish in it yet) and was wondering if yall had any tips for us? We have 3 balas in a 30 gallon that we are going to put in this new one (they are going to much happier!)

balas get HUGE. do you plan on having a tank bigger in the future for them?

my 55 stock is in my signature. cichlids are very nice, bristlenose plecos or a smaller kind of pleco would do nicely. how big are the balas now?

 

[petluvr]

You do know about cycling don't you?

 

[Hooked Newbie]

Good deal and welcome to AC. Please start here... http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84598.

The Balas as pointed out get quite large so if you're not planning on a REALLY big tank in the future you may need to entertain the thought of returning them to your LFS (Local Fish Store). The 55 is a great tank size IMO though and offers alot of options for fish stocking. What type of fish do YOU like? My favorite tanks usually include this basic "formula"... 1-2 "Centerpiece" fish (~6" max size), 1 large school of schooling fish (Tetras or Barbs- not Tiger), and 1 decent sized school of bottom dwellers (Loaches or Cories). Of course if you were to go with African Cichlids, that's a whole different ball game. Read up here and check out the gallery for ideas. Starting right will make everything a ton more enjoyable for you!

 

[jm1212]

this might be able to give you some ideas

unfortunatley, balas will quickly outgrow your 55 gallon. if you cannot provide the 6 foot tank that they require, you may want to consider returning them.http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1459108#post1459108

 

[Crystal520]

Yes are tank is cycling right now. We are planning on keeping our balas for a little longer and than selling them back. We may add our silver dollars today if the tempature is right. We only have 2 of those. Anyway, do you recommend live plants or fake plants?

 

[Hooked Newbie]

I've never kept them myself, but from what I've read Silver Dollars will shred live plants.

 

[Crystal520]

I've never kept them myself, but from what I've read Silver Dollars will shred live plants.

Uh oh. Well we will see.....I hope not though.

 

[cichlidsrextrem]

is it cycled???

 

[Lupin]

is it cycled???

...

Yes are tank is cycling right now. We are planning on keeping our balas for a little longer and than selling them back. We may add our silver dollars today if the tempature is right. We only have 2 of those. Anyway, do you recommend live plants or fake plants?