New 55 Gallon

[Binge]

So with my female lobster covered in eggs my wife gave me the go ahead to get another small tank for the babys after mommy stops protecting them. (small cus she wanted it under 100). But I got clever and used craigslist and snagged a pristine 55gallon with hood lights and stand for 60 bucks .

However once the babys are over an inch long I am going to swap them for store credit and turn it into a chichilid tank and wanted some advice onm stocking. Right now I know of 4 fish we want in it for sure (if they fit.

2 oscars (1 black and orancge tiger and 1 albino tiger)
2 parrot chichilids (maybe more if they would fit. Not sure on max sze for them)

I was also curious if a smaller breed of bicir would be able to share a tank with the above fish and maybe a couple smaller chichilids. dunno yet.
Suggests are welcome I have a month or so to plan what to put in it so I have plenty of time.

 

[Kaybear]

That is a bit much for a 55 gallon. One Oscar alone needs at least 75 gallons and two need 125 plus. Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe that a blood parrot needs 50 gallons alone. You could always put a few smaller cichlids or one big guy that doesn't require more than 55 gallons. I personally havent kept any but German blue rams are beautiful, they get to about 2-3 inches. I'm hoping to get one for my boyfriends 55 gallon we will be cycling soon. I have always loved angelfish but you would be better off keeping just one angel with other fish unless your getting a group of six angels but I think that's too much for a 55. As far as one big fish, I would say a jack dempsey or severum. Some people suggest terrors but I think they get a little big. Whatever you decide, please make sure you do your research online to see how big they get, any special needs, personalities if your keeping multiple fish so you can try to cut down on the fighting. Others on here will be able to give you more suggestions

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Yeah, I would go with the smaller cichlids. There are really some quite striking ones to see. The less aggressive varieties like rams (any of them really) or the apistogrammas are lovely looking fish. With these fish, you could also add a very nice sized school of dither fish (schooling fish that help to calm down the cichlids into being more active and out in the open), like tetras, rasporas, or barbs.

 

[Binge]

Hmm I ahd found a site this morning that said a 55 could do 3 parrots comfortably ;-/. Gonna keep reading on em though.

 

[STEWARDSONS]

have a look at cupid cichlids (biotodoma cupido) they only grow to about 12-14cm so you could fit a few of them in there.

i have 3 in my tank along with german blue rams.

below is a very rough idea of the stockign level of your tank

 

[Binge]

The Wife decidied against the parrots since they are a man man hybrid. Which is good since the tank woulda been a poor home for them. Guess we will look into gouramis. I am curious if one of the smaller breeds of Bicir(12 inch or so) would be okay in that size tank and whether or not the bicir would eat a 3-4 inch gourami.