55 Gallon Stocking Help - Aiming for Community Tank

J

JCKey618

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Dec 28, 2010
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Hi All,

My tank is finally cycled, so it's time to get some fishies. My goal is a pretty community tank. Here are specs:

Size: 55 gal (48" X 12" X 20")
Substrate: Play Sand
Plants: Moderately planted (I want to get even more)
Filtration: HOB filter for my tank's size plus sponge filter
Heated to 75F
Light: 56W

I want to get:

20 Schooling fish (thinking harlequin or tetra)
6-8 Corys
5 Guppies
5 Platies
1 Shrimp
1 Frog

And I was thinking of putting an angel pair in the center and starting them as juveniles so they don't nip the others.

I'm open to any suggestions! I'm going for a community tank with fish that satisfy both function and aesthetic!
 
I would go for rummy nose tetras for their schooling talents, and add more shrimp. One will be lost in that size of a tank. The guppies will eventually end up as Angel treats.... or they did in my tank...

I would also aim the heat more toward 78+
 
How many shrimp should I go for?

And I forgot to mention, I have a lone betta that someone gave me (before I got this tank) which is currently in a fishbowl (that was also part of the gift). It would be great to include the betta in the 55 gallon, but I don't want to be limited by it. Does anyone have suggestions about how a community tank with a beta might work? It's a double-tail male.
 
skip the bala shark, they get too big, they need to be in groups of 3 or more, and they are too skittish for that size of a tank. For the pleco, you might want to go with ordering one online so you can be sure that it is one that doesn't get over 12 inches. The pleco's you see at most pet shops are your typical common pleco, which surpasses this length. You should keep in mind the footprint of the tank is 48"x12". The 12" will be difficult for a fish to turn around comfortably in and with a fish that size, the uprooting of plants would be common as well. If you go for the pleco, I would go for one that would remain in the 7 inches and under range.
 
the betta should be ok provided the tank is planted enough. Surprisingly enough, it's the other fish nipping at his fins that you have to worry about rather than him being the beast of the tank. People have single bettas in their tanks throughout AC though and it seems to be quite successful.
 
It seems that if I go with the harlequins for my schoolers, that might eliminate the problem of tetras liking to nip on bettas, eh? I really would like him to be in the tank, since he's so pretty and his 1 gallon fishbowl is so small. Worse case, I can move him back out. If he has any problems with the other fish, will it be a gradual thing (i.e., will I be able to tell in time to get him out of there?)

Also, random question: should any fish (besides fry) have problems with my HOB filter? It cycles about 200 gallons per hour and I'd had to see any of my fish fall prey to the suction.

And thoughts on the angelfish? My current plan is to get the community tan pretty much established and then get 5-6 juveniles in last, wait for a pair to emerge, and then return the rest. I've read that if the angelfish experience the other fish from a young age, there will be less problems. I am also open to not having guppies.
 
Definitely skip the bala. Your betta should be fine provided enough shelter. You can put a LOT of shrimp as they have a low bioload. If you put angels the shrimp will be an expensive treat. The harlies might as well, depends on the angels. To be honest if you are set on angels...I have several and they are fun and beautiful. Just get one. In the off chance you end up with a pair...they are nasty when they spawn. I have 5 in a 150 with cories and rasboras and discus and really the only time it is a problem is when the 1 pair decides to spawn. Then they literally keep every other member of the tank on the opposite 1/3. They actually killed one of the other angels.
The guppies would be fine as well...just get males or you may soon have a 55 full of guppies.

It's fun picking out and deciding what you want!! It can be a little stressful too...just have fun with it though!!

Ohh...the HOB filter will be fine for all....if you are worried you can get a sponge prefilter. That's what I do alot with my HOBs.
 
I'm about to put sponges around all of my hobs...seems like everybody's doing it so why not lol.
 
Dunno why people haven't brought this up but guppies + bettas don't always work. Bettas will attack anything that resembles a betta, which guppies do. It depends on the temperament of the betta but you need to be cautious. BTW I have a king betta in my 55g community tank.
 
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