I'm Getting A 55 Gallon Tank!

[Odysseus]

Today marks a great day because I will be getting a BRAND NEW 55 gallon tank! I am so excited because I never thought this day would come! I am not going to have 5.5 times as much room as I did with my puny ten gallon! Here is my dilemma though. First off, I don't know what kind of filter I should get for it. I've got a bio wheel filter on my ten gallon tank, and it has done an amazing job in keeping the water crystal clear. However, I was thinking I could get into canister filters because money fortunately isn't going to be a huge issue. Would anyone recommend a good canister filter that would suit a 55 gallon nicely? The other problem....is stocking. Space is hardly an issue so the possibilities are huge. The only thing is that it is such a big decision. At first someone told me to try a huge community tank with 30+ tetras, and then somebody told me to try doing an African cichlid tank. Then I thought maybe I could put in one oscar and call that my tank, but then I thought one fish in a 55 gallon tank would be a waste. After that I was thinking of starting an oddball tank with a black ghost knife fish, a rope fish, some silver dollars, and pleco, but I don't think that would work out. Then I thought to do a planted tank. I honestly have no clue what to put in there. I really would appreciate some recommendations for my new tank.

 

[dthoffsett]

A 55gal would be too small for an oscar. Fluval's or Eheims are great cannister filters, just get one that is rated for 275gph or more. Or if you prefer HOB filters Aquaclear is the best brand ever IMHO.

Here's some information on African Cichlids to get you started.

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=27706
http/www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/cookie_cutter_55g.php

 

[Odysseus]

A 55gal would be too small for an oscar. Fluval's or Eheims are great cannister filters, just get one that is rated for 275gph or more. Or if you prefer HOB filters Aquaclear is the best brand ever IMHO.

Here's some information on African Cichlids to get you started.

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=27706
http/www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/cookie_cutter_55g.php

Thanks for the advice of filters and on African Cichlids, I might consider getting them. I was thinking of getting an Eheim filter with a power filter combined. I finally got the tank in my possession. I must say that it is really a marvel to look at. I am going to have lots of fun with this. I am going to have to go searching for some hoods that will fit it. If anyone has other suggestions on what to get, please tell me!

 

[murphyk32]

you could always add shark(s, carefully on plural),, with angels // sevrums // gouramis maybe? give and or take some of those depending on your oppinion

 

[Aphotic Phoenix]

Larger colorful schooling fish like Rainbows!

 

[PoPoV]

A 55gal would be too small for an oscar. Fluval's or Eheims are great cannister filters, just get one that is rated for 275gph or more. Or if you prefer HOB filters Aquaclear is the best brand ever IMHO.

Here's some information on African Cichlids to get you started.

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=27706
http/www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/cookie_cutter_55g.php

Thanks for the advice of filters and on African Cichlids, I might consider getting them. I was thinking of getting an Eheim filter with a power filter combined. I finally got the tank in my possession. I must say that it is really a marvel to look at. I am going to have lots of fun with this. I am going to have to go searching for some hoods that will fit it. If anyone has other suggestions on what to get, please tell me!

Versa tops are a very good way to go. Their about $15.00 each. They are 24inch glass hinged peices that go over the top. You can also get the whole AGA plastic double lid hood kit. But They cost around $80.00 and their is only one regular bulb. I have also cracked the plastic several times. I use the versa tops and put 2 CoraLife 24 inch 50/50's over them. My hood set-up cost me around $200.00 because of the lights. Your lighting and hood is by far IMO one of the most $$$ parts of your tank. (If your doing it nice!). Egg crating also works well for making improvised hoods! Good luck.