stocking question

[raseii]

Hi,
We currently have a 55 cycling and are thinking about the types of fish we want to ad to it. Please keep in mind that at the beginning of next year we are going to be getting a much bigger tank around 125 or so. This is the type of fish we are considering but I am not sure how many of each would be good for the 55. Also, if you could recommend other fish or take out something I have suggested thinking another type of fish would work better, please let me know. Any suggestions would be very helpful. Keep in mind that my husband want this tank to be larger fish. He says he wants to be able to see them when he is sitting in the living room and not have to go up to the tank to look at the fish like he has to do with my other tank that houses tetras and livebearers
anyways this is the list "I" am thinking.

Clown Loaches
Bala Sharks - my husband definately wants some of these
Black Ruby Barb
Flying Fox
Pearl Gourami
Scissortail Rasboras

Thanks

 

[Raechal]

ONLY if you were definately getting the 125 gallon I would consider like 3-4 clown loaches and 3-4 bala sharks.

They are pretty slow growers, so they should be fine in the 55 gallon until the beginning of next year for the 125 gallon. Scissor tail rasboras are nice. I have about 5 in my 120 gallon and I can see them okay. They don't stand out THAT much, but they are great fish. Mine are about 2 years old and the largest one is about 3 inches in length including tail. I don't really know about the other fish as I've never kept them.

Oh I also have 2 clown loaches and they are 2 years old and only about 4-5 inches long. Just remember balas like to have LOTS of swimming room.

 

[vantgE]

I wouldn't buy the clowns or sharks untill you have your tank there is little reason to buy now more than latter and plans don't always work out perfect wait until you have the tank and don't take the risk of it not being ready plus it let's you stock your 55 now with more beneficial longterm goals

 

[nc_nutcase]

I agree that it is best to stock any tank as if all it's residents will live in the tank their whole life. So many things can happen to alter future plans... but regardless the fish will still grow.

Maybe stock the 55 with fish such as you suggested then when you get the 125 you can look into large Cichlids. Many of them get 10+ inches. Your hubby could see them from the front yard much less the living room

 

[Blue Lobster]

Get the balas, they won't get to big for a few years. They are slow growers from what I have seen in my own tanks.