My New 55 Gal. Setup

[GJB22]

Just got a 55 gallon rectangular tank and wanted some opinions on my potential setup. First off, I want to use sand as the substrate, with fake plants. I've never used sand, but wanted to try it because I like the look better than gravel. As for fish, I want to either have some dwarf cichlids in a community tank or a betta in a community tank. Any opinions on whats more feasible? Or are both the betta and cichlids too aggressive for a community setup?

 

[N0body Of The Goat]

Short answer: Betta female groups of 5+ can work, but then you need to be very watchful about what other fish go with them and how they react to each other (some hierachy dominance will occur, hence the need for a group to spread the alpha female's temper).

A pair of dwarf cichlids would love a 55g. With good line of sight barriers, two pairs could have homes at opposite ends of the tank. Far easier to "pull off" than a Betta containing community, from all accounts!

 

[ian]

i'm with Goaty on this one, go for the dwarf cichlids. Easier on the eye imo and more of a mans fish