Hey guys!
I recently happened upon a 55g (free with everything included, :clap
and while getting it set up and cycled I'm trying to figure out my stock list. For starters tank is a normal 55g (48x12x22), with an aquaclear 30-60 and a tetra whisper 30. Inert sand substrate and I'm currently hunting down some rock for it.
I definitely would like to do a cichlid setup, but I'm not sure where to start! I've only kept tropical community fish, never cichlids, so I definitely have a lot to learn especially in the stocking area. Likely I can get anything in reason I want, so availability shouldn't be too much of an issue.
If I list a few of the fish I've come across that I like, maybe you guys can guide me with what to go with, how many, etc? I'm probably all over the place here (so hard to choose). I guess to sum it up my dream fishes would be predatory, able to keep 5+ in my tank, colorful, and something that could coexist with a few live plants in the aquarium.
First off, I have a thing for peacock cichlids. When I went to the distributor for the store I work for I found a variety they called "Firescale peacocks". After researching I'm pretty sure they are the Aulonocara sp Firefish (or dragonblood cichlid), or close to it. They did seem quite big already though, probably 5-6", and from what I've read they are supposed to top out at 5", so I'm not totally sure what they are. Any other thoughts on the different peacocks would be great, I do like the yellows and red shoulder peacocks too.
Another thought was the mbuna type set up...I really like the ps acei, but I'm not sure what else. I don't really like some of the more common ones... yellow labs, blue zebras, or rusties. At my store I have a tank of assorted 1-2" cichlids, mostly mbuna types, (ack yes I'm trying to right some of the wrongs there) but there is one in particular I like though I'm unsure what it is-white with faint yellow dorsal fin and stripes (?).
And of course I do like the SA cichlids too, but I think most would get too big?..the Electric Blue Dempsies are gorgeous, as are the Green Texas Cichlids. I LOVE and have always wanted Oscars but I know they are out of the question for a 55g.
I really like predatory fish that would enjoy eating some feeders once in a while (QTed of course).
And I'm just going to throw this out there...I love, love, love Black Ghost Knifes. I've had them at the store and read some conflicting information...is a 55g truly too small? From my observations they don't particularly need a lot of swimming space, they usually stay put in their hidey holes except for feeding. Not sure about them with cichlids though...anyways just say the word and I won't get one, but I would really love to have one if it was possible. If not, what other kinds of oddball fish could be suitable?
Thanks for reading my essay, I know I'm :screwy:...just trying to figure out my options here. It's hard to google really specific information especially on compatibility. Any other suggestions gladly welcomed!
I recently happened upon a 55g (free with everything included, :clap
and while getting it set up and cycled I'm trying to figure out my stock list. For starters tank is a normal 55g (48x12x22), with an aquaclear 30-60 and a tetra whisper 30. Inert sand substrate and I'm currently hunting down some rock for it.I definitely would like to do a cichlid setup, but I'm not sure where to start! I've only kept tropical community fish, never cichlids, so I definitely have a lot to learn especially in the stocking area. Likely I can get anything in reason I want, so availability shouldn't be too much of an issue.
If I list a few of the fish I've come across that I like, maybe you guys can guide me with what to go with, how many, etc? I'm probably all over the place here (so hard to choose). I guess to sum it up my dream fishes would be predatory, able to keep 5+ in my tank, colorful, and something that could coexist with a few live plants in the aquarium.
First off, I have a thing for peacock cichlids. When I went to the distributor for the store I work for I found a variety they called "Firescale peacocks". After researching I'm pretty sure they are the Aulonocara sp Firefish (or dragonblood cichlid), or close to it. They did seem quite big already though, probably 5-6", and from what I've read they are supposed to top out at 5", so I'm not totally sure what they are. Any other thoughts on the different peacocks would be great, I do like the yellows and red shoulder peacocks too.
Another thought was the mbuna type set up...I really like the ps acei, but I'm not sure what else. I don't really like some of the more common ones... yellow labs, blue zebras, or rusties. At my store I have a tank of assorted 1-2" cichlids, mostly mbuna types, (ack yes I'm trying to right some of the wrongs there) but there is one in particular I like though I'm unsure what it is-white with faint yellow dorsal fin and stripes (?).
And of course I do like the SA cichlids too, but I think most would get too big?..the Electric Blue Dempsies are gorgeous, as are the Green Texas Cichlids. I LOVE and have always wanted Oscars but I know they are out of the question for a 55g.
I really like predatory fish that would enjoy eating some feeders once in a while (QTed of course).
And I'm just going to throw this out there...I love, love, love Black Ghost Knifes. I've had them at the store and read some conflicting information...is a 55g truly too small? From my observations they don't particularly need a lot of swimming space, they usually stay put in their hidey holes except for feeding. Not sure about them with cichlids though...anyways just say the word and I won't get one, but I would really love to have one if it was possible. If not, what other kinds of oddball fish could be suitable?
Thanks for reading my essay, I know I'm :screwy:...just trying to figure out my options here. It's hard to google really specific information especially on compatibility. Any other suggestions gladly welcomed!
. 
