Stocking Ideas For 55 Gallon

[Nik00117]

I am beginning my fish less cycle on Monday
 
 
 
55 Gallon
Got all the test kits
3 heaters (two 150 watts, and one 75 watt)
4 Filters for a grand total of 631 GPH (first off to explain this)
* I have two filters that I do not trust, I researched them and they a cheap knock off brand. Don't know how long they will last. They claim they put out 158 GPH (don't believe it) so I bought two additional filters capable of 315 GPH * I can turn the filters on or off if current is too much *
 
Unplannted/unlite (the cost of lighting in Korea for fish tanks is expensive)
 
Here is what I have so far: 
 
3 Pearl Gurami
6 Boesemani Rainbow (I think)
5 Sword Tails
10 of those cory
10 Cherry Barb
10 Zebra Diano

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Personally, I'd suggest just sticking to 9 of one species of cory - the more the merrier in shoaling species.  IMHO, its better to have more of one time of cory than two different species at half the number - your behaviors will be better in the larger shoal.
 
That's a fairly aggressive stocking plan... You might want to consider cutting one group.
 
 
I can't see your pictures, but here are the fish you've indicated:
Pearl Gourami

 
 
Boesemanni Rainbowfish

 
Swordtails (many color morphs)

 
Cherry barb

 
Zebra Danio

 

[Nik00117]

Thank you I adjusted it will get 10 albino cory for some reason the other cory is crazy expensive. 

 

[Nik00117]

I agree, if you where you and in my boat what fish would you cut? You can't cut the Boesemanni Rainbowfish Or Pearl Gourami

 

[the_lock_man]

I'd cut the Zebra Danios. They prefer much cooler water than the other species anyway.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

I would tend to agree and cut the zebra danios.  If your pH is low, I'd probably cut the swords.  (I'd also stick to ALL MALES of the swords, or else fry can happen - they may not survive with so many mouths in the water, but you never know.)

 

[techen]

I think you'd find switching too 1 200watt heater may save you more money than running 3
 
Same wilt the filters.

 

[Nik00117]

Some equipment I've already owned, some I purchased etc. I think I'll run the two 150s in the winter and add the extra 75 watt in the winter (I don't heat my home in the winter too $$$) also per the filters the two filters I purchased (315 GPH) are more then capable of running the tank by itself. I may not run the other 2 filters. I will buy a PH test, if my PH is too low you recommend cutting the sword tails? 
 
Maybe this sounds cruel...But I've never bothered with Fry...I used to keep guppies/swords tails in a community tank and got fry all the time I never bothered to try to save them. But I started with 9 guppies and 7 swordtails in that tank and at the end of it all my original guppies/sword tails had died and I had 13 guppies and 12 sword tails lol

 

[eaglesaquarium]

It doesn't sound cruel to me.  I have panda cories breeding in my tank - I never try to save them, they just grow up or not on their own.
 
 
 
Livebearers generally prefer alkaline conditions and hard water.  Generally speaking fish that prefer soft, acidic water fare better in harder, alkaline conditions than the reverse.  I don't know why, but that's been my experience.

 

[Nik00117]

It doesn't sound cruel to me.  I have panda cories breeding in my tank - I never try to save them, they just grow up or not on their own.

I agree, survival of the fitness. I'm not into breeding but if I end up with an extra cory or something then that's a bonus!
 
Never had cories bread, but is it pretty easy?

Also if I get rid the Dianos should my stocking be ok? I'm going purchase a PH test kit and see how my water fares and maybe knock out the swordtails (i'm not attached to them)
 
Also heres the advice I heard on PH testing
 
For freashwater don't mess with PH, just live with whatever PH you have because adding chemicals to adjust PH in a freshwater can cause more harm then good.

 

[the_lock_man]

It doesn't sound cruel to me.  I have panda cories breeding in my tank - I never try to save them, they just grow up or not on their own.
 
 
 
Livebearers generally prefer alkaline conditions and hard water.  Generally speaking fish that prefer soft, acidic water fare better in harder, alkaline conditions than the reverse.  I don't know why, but that's been my experience.

 
I believe it's to do with the osmotic capabilities of the fish, I was told it a LONG time ago, and I struggle to remember yesterday....

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Sounds about right, but I wonder why it only works one way though...

 

[attibones]

It doesn't sound cruel to me.  I have panda cories breeding in my tank - I never try to save them, they just grow up or not on their own.

I agree, survival of the fitness. I'm not into breeding but if I end up with an extra cory or something then that's a bonus!
 
Never had cories bread, but is it pretty easy?
Also if I get rid the Dianos should my stocking be ok? I'm going purchase a PH test kit and see how my water fares and maybe knock out the swordtails (i'm not attached to them)
 
Also heres the advice I heard on PH testing
 
For freashwater don't mess with PH, just live with whatever PH you have because adding chemicals to adjust PH in a freshwater can cause more harm then good.

You are right about the pH. Test your water source for pH, and, when cycling, be sure to keep an eye on it. My pH is almost always 7.4. In my cycling tanks, it is currently close to 7.8, which is to be expected. Swordtails like their pH around 7.5. I personally love them, and they would thrive in my water. If your tank is in a suitable range, I would say get them if you'd like. They make lovely tank additions.

 

[Nik00117]

 
Added my Ammonia currently at approx 3-4 PPM. Going test again in the morning. 

 

[Nik00117]

Just thought I'd update my stocking list.
 
3 Pearl Gurami
6 Boesemani Rainbow (I think)
5 Sword Tails (currently debating, will order a PH test and that will determine if I get those, however I'm leaning towards NO for now) Think that 34 fish is a bit too much.
10 of those cory
10 Cherry Barb
 
Tested my ammonia yesterday it was down to 2 PPM from 4 PPM my fishless cycle seems to be going well.