Set Up My First Tank

[jmann]

Well I finally set up my first tank. It's not really my first. I'd kept fish for a long time. But this is the first in years, and the first since I learned of cycling. I set up a 55 and have it cycling. It'll be a pretty simple set up. I have a couple of nice pieces of drift wood soaking and some rocks to make some nice caves. I'll most likely have some live plants not sure on that though. As for fish It'll be a community tank just not 100% sure on inhabitants yet. I have some time to decide though, no rush. I'd appreciate anyones input on stocking. Thanks

 

[dwarfgourami]

Is that a 55 gallon?

 

[chrismr]

It is hard to suggest without knowing what kind of fish in particular you are attracted to....

Are you a cichlid person? Are you big on guppies and other livebearers? Are you particularly fond of gouramis?

When it comes to schooling fish, are you inclined to go with something manic like a danio, or something a bit more laid back, such as some of the tetras?

 

[dwarfgourami]

Chris really sums it up- what do you like and do you want the fast action or the peaceful chill-out scene?

I am planning a 55 gals myself, and that is my first question to myself.

I am torn between:

a) fast action: in my case, this would be giant danios, with some fairly sturdy loaches for the bottom

B) the peaceful: centred on pearl gouramis for me, with a school of gentle tetras (wavering between black neons, black phantoms or, abandoning the tetras, harlequin rasboras) and a pair of smallish catfish (whiptails or bristlenoses)

It might also be possible to manage a small cichlid tank, though I don;t know much about them.

Other thoughts I've had is something like a proper school of glass catfish coupled with some gentle rasboras and small loaches- so another gentle tank. Or: group of swordtails, some slightly larger tetras and a sizeable school of cories.

In short, there are LOTs of things you can do with 55 gallons.

 

[jmann]

I'm not really interested in cichlids now. That is what I'd kept mainly before. I'm looking at live bearers like sword tails, or platties. I like corys so I'm looking at 6-8 of them and some ottos. Thought about angels too. I had good luck with them in the past. I also like neons but not a good idea with the angels. I've never really kept gouramis before so that could be an option. I have plenty of time to decide. Thanks for the opinions.