55g Pre-stocking list. Input needed

[Ketso]

My wife and I have discussed what we want in our future 55g tank and have decided to go with more smaller fish instead of only a few larger fish. There is still plenty of time before I can even think about putting fish in the tank, but I thought I would go ahead and start a list anyway. What we don't want is to max out the tank. But rather go just "comfortable" with the amount of fish.

I thought, as I am sure most beginners do, that I could make a list that would be adequate. However, even after reading several books and countless posts, I am unsure. So, let me have it. I wont be offended. Here's the list. Oh, and feel free to laugh.

7 Cherry Barbs <--These are a must. Only one the wife picked.
3 Dwarf Rainbows
7 Neon Tetras
7 Common Hatchet
5 Leopard Cory
:::::::The only issue between fish I can find is with the Rainbows and the hatchets. This chart indicates caution should be taken.

The way I have it figured that is roughly 52 inches of fish. I know that, and some of you will disagree, the 1"/gal rule isn't carved in stone so I didnt feel this was overstocking the tank. I guess, come to think of it, I wouldn't be overstocked if it were carved in stone.

If there is still some decent elbow room, I wouldnt be against adding a fish that can do algae cleaning. Not sure if any of the above help out in that respect. Or maybe I need to change the numbers around a bit to allow for some worker fish?

We are in no way limiting ourselves to these particular fish with the exception of the Barbs. (no idea why I chose an uneven number of each LOL)

More information: Will be a low-light moderately planted tank. DIY fluidized bed type filtration. Need any other info, just ask.

 

[YoFishboy]

I think you are on the right track...and it is ok to not stuff the tank...aesthetically speaking, less is often more in a tank overall, but more is better in its sub-components....to this end, if it were my tank, I would drop the hatchet fish to 3-5, and up the neons to 15 or so. Neons in mass don't take up much room (less) but provide a lot of shoaling beauty and interest (more). In a 55 gallon tank with small fish, water changes and good filtration, the bioload will be fine. There is definately an aesthetic balance in odd numbers...for example, with the art of bonsai, there is a "triangular" balance in only using odd numbers for group plantings (yose style).

 

[Jeff-Like-Beer]

I'm new myself, but that does'nt seem overstocked. I have picked up that those seven neon tetras won't put out as much waste as one fish the size of them all put together though.

 

[Aquaken]

I would axe the hatchets and add more rainbows in their place, a larger school of rainbows will look better in a tank that size, imho. I've kept both and I prefer the rainbows, but the hatchets are cool in their own regard.