New Plans. New Fish.

[McCool]

After a fruitless search for my puffer fish, I think I've decided to move on. I'm being given some plant lights, So I'm going to start a planted tank. Im thinking about switching my sand to round edged small gravel, or maybe mix some in with the sand. Not sure yet. Anyways, I'm thinking about what I want to stock.
Tank:
55 Gallons
4ft long
Sand (right now)
Live plants
Cycled
Going to be getting a powerhead

Current stocking:
10 Giant Danios (Going to be getting rid of these.)
4 Polka Dot Loaches. (May add two more, or may get rid of If i come across a bottom dweller i like better that would work)

That's it. I would love if someone could help me come up with a vague stocking plan. I'm going to a huge fish wholesaler place pretty soon, and would like to have an idea as to what I'm looking for when I get there.

Fish I'd like:
2 Angelfish. Or is 3 a better number?
Some Rainbowfish? Don't know much about these, so not sure if they're suitable. Love the red ones.
Twig Catfish? Not sure what size tank these need.
Maybe a pair of Rams? My temp is usually around 79-82.
Rainbow shark? I know these are territorial and aggressive, So doubt one would work. Just thought I'd ask.

Thats all I have right now, But may add onto it.
I'm aiming for a lot of color in this tank. I'm just kind of looking for advice on what will work well together and what won't, and if anyone knows of a colorful fish that would work , I would really appreciate it. I love color, but also really like oddballs and interesting stuff. Love catfish. The wholesaler place I'm going to is suppose to have some pretty crazy stuff.... Who knows what I'll fall in love with.
So, I'm open to suggestions on anything not commonly seen also.

 

[DrRob]

Rule of thumb with angels is one, pair or lots. There are always exceptions, but IME if you don't follow this there is always violence.

 

[Wills]

Hi I would have

2 Angelfish.
10 Neon Rainbowfish
3 Whiptail Catfish - Twig Catfish are quite delicate and tough to keep by comparison the whiptails are pretty hardy.
2 Bolivian Rams - Blue or Gold Rams would not fit in with this tank
6 Polka Dot Loaches - I would skip the Rainbow Shark as they can be aggressive to loaches.

thanks Wills

 

[McCool]

Rule of thumb with angels is one, pair or lots. There are always exceptions, but IME if you don't follow this there is always violence.

Would 4 work? If not I'll keep it at a pair

 

[McCool]

Hi I would have

2 Angelfish.
10 Neon Rainbowfish
3 Whiptail Catfish - Twig Catfish are quite delicate and tough to keep by comparison the whiptails are pretty hardy.
2 Bolivian Rams - Blue or Gold Rams would not fit in with this tank
6 Polka Dot Loaches - I would skip the Rainbow Shark as they can be aggressive to loaches.

thanks Wills

Thank you for help.
I'm not very fond of the Neon Rainbows. Would 6 Red Rainbows work instead?
Love Whiptails, but think I'll skip. They just hide too much. Instead I think I'll add two more angels if possible.
I'll just add my loaches and leave out the shark. And just curious, why is the tank not suitable for blue or gold rams? I'm happy with Bolivian, just wondering!
Thank you for the help!

 

[Wills]

Whiptails are actually quite active - I have 3 and they are always out and about and on the move.

Red Rainbows are a really big fish and I think personally they deserve a bigger tank but they would fit in this tank if you wanted a group of 5 or 6.

Blue and Gold rams are the same species just different colour morphs. To thrive in tanks they need low ph, high temperatures and very very low nitrates. Where as Bolivian Rams are more flexable and their temps are closer to the other fish.

Wills

 

[McCool]

Whiptails are actually quite active - I have 3 and they are always out and about and on the move.

Red Rainbows are a really big fish and I think personally they deserve a bigger tank but they would fit in this tank if you wanted a group of 5 or 6.

Blue and Gold rams are the same species just different colour morphs. To thrive in tanks they need low ph, high temperatures and very very low nitrates. Where as Bolivian Rams are more flexable and their temps are closer to the other fish.

Wills

Really? I've always seen where they just bury themselves all day. May have another look at them
I'll keep looking into different rainbows before I make a definite decision. Don't want them to be cramped!
I love Bolivians just as much, so all good there! Thank you for your help!