Stock my tank!

pcnicholson

3 more tanks to bankruptcy!
Apr 2, 2007
332
0
0
Mesquite, TX
After having a nice little 12 gal tank, I have finally talked my wife into a bigger one in out living room.

New tank will be a 55 gallon (long) tank. So, here's where you come in. My current tank (which I will be keeping as is) is stocked with tetra and danios. The new tank I'd like to have something different. What I want is a highly colorful stock that includes middle and top swimmers. I's also rather do many smaller fish rather than a few large ones. All this to be done after cycling and a few fish at a time of course. I also plan to plant this tank with natural plants fairly thoroughly.

So, there you go. Your thoughts?
 
Well, there are tons of options. Do you know any kinds of fish that are out there right now that you like? For some ideas you can look on this site: http://www.aquahobby.com/e_gallery.php That should give you a good idea of what's out there. Take a look and comeback and ask us if the fish you like are good for your tank and are compatible with each other.

I would suggest maybe two schools of fish. Maybe a group of tetras any kinds or even two groups of tetras. I hear rainbow fish are nice and they would be an ok size for your tank. Bottom feeders, definitely a cory of some type. Hatchet fish are also an interesting top dwelling fish. Just some thoughts.

Are you going for common fish or unusual, different fish?
 
how about some platies? they are great for the top of the tank.

rummynoses are another good choice- they swim around the middle and onyl get to around 2 inches long

for the bottom, schwartz's corydoras will be a great choice.

I second that. Platies are awesome. They come in all different colors, have vibrant colors, and they are friendly. Rummynoses are also a very pretty fish that schools well. In a tank of 55 gallons you could get a nice amount and they would look awesome.:) And of course cories are full of personality and are very sociable. They would be a joy to watch as they play in a roomy 55 gallon tank.
 
Well i believe my wife wants one of the shark types. Black with the red fins. That's a start, I think it might be a tad big though.
 
Thing is if you get a red tailed black shark, it is going to alter what can go in the tank with it, as it can be a mean little bugger. Just something to think about.
 
Well I think the mrs is set on getting a shark. It's a price I may have to pay to get the thing in the first place. :rolleyes: So, if that's the case, what kind of fish will the shark play nice with?
 
I don't do sharks, so I don't really know. The fish would have be at least semi-aggressive or have to be able to hold there own against the shark and be able to get food a feeding time. Other people that currently have or have had this fish will probably be of more assist to you.

Good luck:)
 
:: points down to 46g portion of sig ::

I like my tetras just fine. If you decide that one tank of tetras is enough, I'd suggest

Apistogrammas, Rams & dwarf Flag cichlids along w/ large Corys (peppered, albino, bronze, green, maybe Sterbas). Add Otos or a BN Pleco if needed. Most Cichlids cover top to bottom swimming, the above are not outrageously aggressive or large, so several would work as long as you provide some cover.

or

Celebes Rainbowfish (these are best procured through clubs - private breeders get some spectacular specimens, pet stores don't) along w/ Otos and Corys - smaller ones would be OK here, opening it up to adolfois, Pandas, pygmies etc. They're shortlived but very colorful & not too hard to breed...

edit: I forgot - you said PLANTS - let's talk about your lighting plans...
 
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