Have an empty cycled 55. Interesting species?

[MonsterFishCreeper]

I moved some grow outs around tonight so I have a nice 55 on a double stank sitting empty at the moment. White PFS substrate and plenty of adequate cycled filtration to spare plus tons of rocks and driftwood in buckets to scape with. What interesting or less common species could I consider stocking in here? I would like something that could either habitate this tank permanently or some slow growers since I am moving and don't feel like setting up any bigger tanks for a few months... my back is already aching thinking about this move.

Anyway some ideas I'm kicking around.

Thorichthys species other than common FM's? How do any of the other species do in a tank this size and what group sizes?

Growing out a small school of Geos. I am growing out a bunch of severums and a chocolate in a another tank and want to combine them with some Geos in a large display in the new house, probably a 220 but I have to measure the space. Upgrading isn't a concern money wise but it would be great to house them in this spare 55 for a while after the move since the wife will have me moving things around endlessly for a while. How long would a group of 5 or so Tapajos be happy in there?

Open to any and all new worlds that I'm not already keeping. Empty tanks are fun and no suggestions are bad. I have access to most things through my fish club and a few local suppliers.

 

[Deadliestviper7]

Do geos,a hornyhead chub and some red rainbow fish

 

[MonsterFishCreeper]

Thinking prob a single species tank. Question is if I get like 5-6 geo's at around 2.5" how long would they grow out in there happily? I want them to be able to stock with my other grow outs so I would be looking for 6-9 months in there if that would be doable. I'm primarily look at Geo Tapajos not any of the bigger species.

 

[Frank Castle]

Thinking prob a single species tank. Question is if I get like 5-6 geo's at around 2.5" how long would they grow out in there happily? I want them to be able to stock with my other grow outs so I would be looking for 6-9 months in there if that would be doable. I'm primarily look at Geo Tapajos not any of the bigger species.

Gymnogeophagus balzanii or other Gymnogeophagus. Don't really need a heater and that will make everything MUCH easier for you when you move. duanes said they can go down to 50F

 

[duanes]

I agree with Frank, most Geophagus need a much larger tank than a 55 when grown, but Gymnogeophagus especially in gymnogenys or labiatus group remain small enough to live in a 55 for life. The rule I use for myself, is nothing that gets over 5.5" in a 55, unless just as a temporary grow out. In a 55 you could probably do 2 males and 4 of 5 females, they do best in a harum situation. And Frank is right, I never use heaters in their tanks, they do best with a winter cool down, so in spring the colors really start to pop when spawning season begins.
Here are some examples.
Gymnogeophagus quilero (AKA Yebalito)

Gymnogeophagus sp Paso
balzani

 

[james99]

I just got a trio of Thorichthys ellioti for my 55. I was told a group of 5-6 would work. So far they look pretty nice.

 

[philipraposo1982]

When I had my Geo's I found that they need dither fish or else they are very scared and shy. I used a huge group of lemon tetras. Mine grew and colored up fairly fast in a 75g.

I found the pool filter sand was a bit to big for the Geo's they don't like to eat big foods ime

I went caribsea moonlight sand, and a northfin community pellet as a stable and they did amazing.

Just stuff to consider. They spawned for me regularly too.

 

[dan518]

I just got a trio of Thorichthys ellioti for my 55. I was told a group of 5-6 would work. So far they look pretty nice.

Good choice, think you might need some more, or hope for a pair. Tank would look good with a few green swordtails, any way where's the pics

 

[Covetous]

duanes Is it just me or is info on Gymnogeophagus quilero (AKA Yebalito) scarce? Mike's a
Has these guys and I've been curious about them for a while.

 

[james99]

Good choice, think you might need some more, or hope for a pair. Tank would look good with a few green swordtails, any way where's the pics

I got the only females the store had, I'm waiting on more to arrive. Don't have any pics at the moment, they're in a tank with filament barbs and a paratilapia polleni Im growing out. I might do swordtails or some local wild sailfin mollies once I clear out the tank.