55g Stocking Research (Rainbowfish)

[TDWagner]

They prefer to be with their own kind, however if your tank is big enough to support 6 and 6, they stick with the right specie for the most part. You *could* go 4 and 4 with the Aussie and the Boe, but bear in mind that the Boe CAN get to 5" and the Aussie WILL get to 5". Actually, I think 5" for the Aussie is on the lean side, more like 6".

Yeah, I've pretty much given up on having 2 Rainbowfish schools....in a 55, that's just really close quarters for so many large, active swimmers. I'll keep thinking about the rummys.

Current (constantly changing) Plan:
7 Rainbowfish (probably all Boeseman's)
5? Sterba's Cory - Corydoras sterbai
2-3 Siamese Algae Eater - Crossocheilus siamensis

I read that Sterbai are more comfortable schooling, so I feel like I should keep 5 instead of just 2 or 3.

Looking at adult sizes:

7 X 4-5 inches = 28-35 inches
5 X 2-3 inches = 10-15 inches
3 X 4-5 inches = 12-15 inches

Total = 50-65 inches

I'll keep everyone updated as I constantly change my mind!

 

[Roan Art]

This part kinda concerns me. I don't have plants yet as I was hoping to learn the fish part first, then delve into planting later. Is there any way to increase O2 enough to keep Rainbowfish without having plants?

You should be fine. I started planting my tanks while keeping my Boesemani We learned together, I think. It's a cool adventure, really.

I can add powerheads to give them some more current if they like that....pointing them toward the surface for agitation should give a little bit better O2 as well, right? I have an Emperor 400 biowheel, so there's some surface agitation from that as well.

They'll be happier with a canister and a spray bar on the long end of the tank. Consider having two filters, most of us do, an Emporer at the back on one end and a canister on the other end. Mount the spray bar on the side so that you can shoot a medium (not TOO high) current down the middle length of the tank. They love that. Mine swim in the current all day for the most part.

Do I hold off on Rainbowfish until I'm ready to try a planted tank? Hmmm, tough decision.

Nah, just make sure you use a planted tank substrate to start -- like Flourite or Eco-Complete. Then when you are ready, just add the plants, check the lighting, CO2, and mix

Roan

 

[TDWagner]

Nah, just make sure you use a planted tank substrate to start -- like Flourite or Eco-Complete.

Uh oh, when I bought my substrate over a month ago at the LFS (before I knew not to listen to them), they told me it doesn't matter what kind of gravel you use, you can convert to a planted tank whenever you want. Just choose the color you like.

What kind of substrate SHOULD I have been looking for?

What to do now, substrate change right at the end of my cycle? Ugh.

Can I get away with keeping some hardy low-light plants in a regular gravel substrate?

 

[Roan Art]

Uh oh, when I bought my substrate over a month ago at the LFS (before I knew not to listen to them), they told me it doesn't matter what kind of gravel you use, you can convert to a planted tank whenever you want. Just choose the color you like.

What kind of substrate SHOULD I have been looking for?

Flourite or Eco-Complete IMO.

What to do now, substrate change right at the end of my cycle? Ugh.

Can I get away with keeping some hearty low-light plants in a regular gravel substrate?

Yes, you could keep some low-light plants in a reg gravel, BUT it would be far easier for you to swap out now than later. IF you decide to add more plants or higher light or whatever later, you will kick yourself for not having done it before you added your fish. Swapping out substrates is a royal PITA, especially adding a substrate like Flourite which is dusty as all get out.

The impact on your cycle should be minimal, but it's ultimately up to you. If it were me, I would switch out now. If I decide not to go full or med planted later, then all I've lost is a little time perhaps and a little money. If I do decide to go full or med planted later, then I've got a HUGE jump start and just need to add the plants.

Up to you.

Roan

 

[TDWagner]

Flourite or Eco-Complete IMO.

Yes, you could keep some low-light plants in a reg gravel, BUT it would be far easier for you to swap out now than later. IF you decide to add more plants or higher light or whatever later, you will kick yourself for not having done it before you added your fish. Swapping out substrates is a royal PITA, especially adding a substrate like Flourite which is dusty as all get out.

The impact on your cycle should be minimal, but it's ultimately up to you. If it were me, I would switch out now. If I decide not to go full or med planted later, then all I've lost is a little time perhaps and a little money. If I do decide to go full or med planted later, then I've got a HUGE jump start and just need to add the plants.

Up to you.

Roan

What about a mixed substrate? Couldn't I add eco-complete later (when ready for plants) and mix it in with my exsisting regular gravel?

It just seems like a waste to pull out the gravel that I already paid for and throw it away. At the same time though, I can see how it would be SOO much easier to change now without fish in there.

I could keep this one low-light and save the high-light, CO2, high-tech for my second tank (oh yeah....MTS sets in fast).

 

[TDWagner]

As for the rainbows, they need a lot of plants as they are very O2 intensive fish, a decent current to swim in, and a lot of fresh water to stay healthy......

......Mount the spray bar on the side so that you can shoot a medium (not TOO high) current down the middle length of the tank. They love that. Mine swim in the current all day for the most part.

Ok, so if I was going to use a powerhead with a spray bar for current until I can afford a canister, I'm wondering what flow rating would be considered "medium" in a 55g, 4ft long tank. For instance, would a powerhead rated for 300gph be too strong? Would 150-170 be a better range?