What kind of fish to get??

G

gregatwan

AC Members
Jan 13, 2009
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Hi,

I've got a brand new 55 gallon freshwater tank that I've finally cycled with six fish—three tiger barbs and three silver dollars. I'd like to start adding more fish. Can you all recommend some varieties that would work well will those two? Are there any general rules of compatibility I should work with (I'm a complete novice here).

Thanks, Greg
 
I'd get a bigger school for those Tiger barbs first.
Like 8-9 more Tiger barbs

Good luck with the tank
Cant wait for pics :D
 
I think I would start with increasing the schools of the barbs and the silver dollars and then go from there. Just be careful not to add too much at once even with a tank that has been newly cycled. Every time you add a few fish you will see a spike in ammonia and nitrite or one or the other. It can be controlled with water changes until the levels return to normal again.

Marinemom
 
After adding some more tigers, maybe some fish for the bottom. YoYo loaches, some cory, or some type of small chichlids such as Bolivian rams or Keyholes.
 
I would add more tiger barbs, maybe get some albinos and greens also.

I think 3 silver dollars is enough, I have kept them before and when they get larger they look great.

Maybe get some bottom feeders. Any thing you like? I would stay away from common plecos, but the bristle nose plecos are a good choice. My spelling stinks, so I will use slang terms, but can look them up if you aren't sure what I am talking about, but syno cats and cory cats are great choices. Lots of good choices on both types.

Also Danios for the top are easy and hardy and quick enough to stay clear of the tiger barbs.

Here is what my suggestion would be for your 55 gallon:

3 - Silver Dollars
12 - tiger barbs
6 - albino tiger barbs
6 - green tiger barbs
8 - danios
8 - cory cats (assorted types)
1 - bristle nose pleco

I also agree with adding the fish over a period of time and doing water changes. I would do an extra water change just before you add new fish and then one the next day.
 
I would increase the tiger barbs.. but keep an eye on Silver dollars.. they can get fairly large.
 
Greg, I will respond to your PM in the thread, that way others can read it, plus it will give more experienced hobbiest a chance to add to it.

First off, there are a million ways to stock a 55 gallon tank, so it really comes down to what you want. There are also many different schools of thoughts and different ideas concerning having fish. My way, may not be the best way, but it has worked for me.

I would add between 6 - 8. I would add them in groups of the same species at a time. I would do a 30% water change before I go fish shopping and then a 30% water change the next day. I would also do one in about three days. You really can't do too many water changes.

I would wait a week inbetween adding new fish.

If you are not up to the extra water changes, then just add 1 - 3 and wait a week.
 
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