55 gallon stocking question

[raseii]

Hi,
We just purchased a 55 gallon tank and we are in the process of trying to decide just what we want in the tank ( so we know when the time comes to add fish to the tank of course). Anyways, we were at the LFS and my husband really likes the Bala shark, which I know will grow too large for a 55 gal. Is there any other type of shark that might look like him that we could keep in a 55 tank and what other types of fish might we be able to put with him. The store said you had to keep the Tropical semi-aggressive fish together and not put them with the other tropical community fish. My husband likes the the larger fish, so we are looking for some larger fish. I have another tank with community fish in, so he wants this one for some larger fish he can see
Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[powellmacaque]

Well, you can only have one of those two things in a 55, either big fish, or sharks. If your husband likes the agressive, fast moving, sleekness of a shark, maybe, some Chiclids will do. Or if it's legal in your state, check into buying Piranhas. But assuming it is illegal, let me give you a few options.

Silver Dollars - about 3-5 for a school. http://aquariacentral.com/species/db.cgi?db=fresh&uid=default&ID=0228&view_records=1

Pictus Cats - 2
http://aquariacentral.com/species/db.cgi?db=fresh&uid=default&ID=0134&view_records=1

Oscar - 1
http://aquariacentral.com/species/db.cgi?db=fresh&uid=default&ID=0247&view_records=1

this might work, you have a few big fish in that lineup. pretty sure they are 100% compatible.

 

[Swimfins]

You can try some catfish, like pictus or black fin shark cat,there are some pretty neat ones, or go with one rainbow shark. The color is amazing so I tolerate his territorialness.