Wanting Something New :)

[Meggie :)]

Hey all! I currently have a planted sand substrate/fluval fertilized substrate stuff ten gallon tank. It has been up and running for almost 4 years with livebearers. Well, I had some fry born in the tank and I thought that it was time to get a new and bigger tank so I can use the ten gallon for a fry or hospital tank. I think that it is going to be a thirty gallon. I want to turn this thirty gallon into my main community tank, and like I said, turn the ten gallon into a fry or hospital tank.

Butttttt, I have a 50 gallon sitting in the garage, waiting for me to set it up. It is about 4 feet long. It was originally planned to be a big and beautiful planted community tank, but since I am going to put the community into a thirty gallon, I want to try something different in the fifty gallon.

So does anyone have any suggestions as to what I should put in the fifty gallon when I get it set up?

Thanks in advance!
Megan

 

[Rickzayne]

a shark

 

[Meggie :)]

a shark?!!! are they entertaining and characteristic or do they just look cool?

I have heard of certain fish that splash around and make a mess until you come pet them or come feed them. I have heard of certain kinds that will redecorate the tank...I thought something like that might be cool, but I am open to any suggestions!

 

[james_fish]

Well you've got plenty of choice. Why not go for a lake Tanganyika setup consisting of small shelldweller fish? Strong willed fish, with cheeky personalities. They are sure to produce fry aswell! Incase you don't know, they are known as shelldwellers because they take protection from predators in abandoned shells.

African Cichlid section, here on the forum.
A popular Tang journal here on the forum.
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/93468-neolamprologus-multifasciatus/
Just a thought.

James.

 

[Rickzayne]

Well 6 sharks+

They are fast and don't stay still

But you need a lid xD they are quite jumpy

 

[james_fish]

Well 6 sharks+

They are fast and don't stay still

But you need a lid xD they are quite jumpy

Some tropical sharks e.g. the Red Tailed Black and the Ruby would be suitable for this tank, however they must be kept alone as they are very aggresive towards one another.

Bala sharks (or silver sharks) can be kept in groups, however they reach a maximum size of around 30-35cm which makes them unsuitable for a 50gallon.

James.

 

[Rickzayne]

Fifnt think they got that big thought they maxed out at 20cm

 

[Wills]

I have heard of certain fish that splash around and make a mess until you come pet them or come feed them. I have heard of certain kinds that will redecorate the tank...I thought something like that might be cool, but I am open to any suggestions!

Sounds to me like you want some cichlids! James has linked about African Cichlids but you could go for a wider mix around American Cichlids lots of options for a 50g. Things like Blue Acaras, Rainbow Cichlids, Keyhole Cichlids, Krobia sp.Red Cheek, Cupid Cichlids and there are a few other options as well. With these you could keep the American theme and add in things like large Tetras like Bleeding Hearts or Lemon Tetras, Flame Tetras are nice as well Pencil Fish or Hatchet fish for the surface. Spotted Headstanders and a fancy pleco or two would top the tank off nice

Wills

 

[Meggie :)]

wow thanks! If I got cichlids, do I have to have a specific type of setup for the tank? Because I was planning on doing this one a planted with sand substrate or the fluval fertilized dirt stuff (I actually don't know what it's really called ) but I will do it differently if it means I get to have these fish

 

[Wills]

Erm it depends on the type of cichlids you go for - Africans need quite a specific set up with rocks and sometimes coral sand - depends on your water.

With Americans plants are possible but not a full fledged planted aquarium.

Wills

 

[Meggie :)]

So maybe I can turn the new 30 gallon when I get it into my main planted tank and turn the fifty gallon into a rock scape and a few plants here and there?

 

[minnnt]

And not any plants with rainbow cichlids.

 

[Meggie :)]

oh gosh! looks like i've got a LOT of researching to do! Has anyone ever kept oscars that have really enjoyed them?

 

[Wills]

Tanks too small for Oscars, because of their size they need extra width to turn around 75g minimum but ideally 90 gallons +

 

[Meggie :)]

oh...hmmm...i wonder if I could go salt with this one?