55 gal ideas

[EntoStentor]

Hullo hullo,

So I recently managed to get my hands on a 55 gal long and stand that I will be setting up this evening. I've had larger tanks in the past, but most of what I've kept can be summed up as literally just polys, catfish, and mantis shrimp. As such, I have absolutely no idea what I'll put in a 55, as IMO that's way too small for most polys. Right now I'm torn between Pink Tail Chalceus and green terror, the latter being my favorite because I've always wanted a green terror, but I also like PTC because PTC. If neither of these are feasible I could go with a JD or an acara. Generally I don't know what biotope to go for or how I want it to look, but I wanna come back in the hobby with something fun. I know this is a question that gets asked a lot but does anyone have any ideas?

 

[Supergeorge123]

Do what you want to do the most. If you do what someone else wants to do you wont be happy.

 

[EntoStentor]

I just want some suggestions since I'm totally clueless as to what I want out of this tank

 

[Red Wolf Keeper]

I gotta recommend it... anyone with a free fifty five should get a red wolf fish and do a planted aquascape. They're hardy, and super fun to feed and watch. They're social and will chase your hand around and even play with a string. Just make sure you don't have any tankmates lol.

 

[Jexnell]

I would advise against the PTC for a 55gal. They grow out to 10in and super skiddish. More than likely kill itself fleeing while spooked.


I would also advise against the GT as they get to big. If you like the looks of GTs you can get some of it's smaller cousin, (Andinoacara Pulcher) BlueAcara, that looks very similar.
In a 55 a pair would work, with some tall bodied Tetras, Cory cats, Bushynose pleco.

 

[Rocksor]

Electric Blue acara pair would fit nicely since they are smaller than blue acara

 

[Supergeorge123]

If you want a green terror, get a green terror. A 55 isnt the worst aquarium for one. If you buy a young one you'll have a long time to see if you really want to be back in the hobby before you might consider upgrading it. Of course if you go with smaller cichlids you could get a pair and enjoy their breeding behavior and raise some fry if you wanted.

 

[The Masked Shadow]

As always, I urge you to have an African biotype!

12 Congo's
3 African Butterfly Fish
a pair of Lionhead or Fairy Cichlids
1 Senegal Bichir

My Tetras are like freaking piranhas. I bought 5, one died, and then I got another 6 a few months later. Needless to say, in less than a week, they have murdered 4/6 tetras! My advice is to get them all at once so they can form a peching order. They are also relatively expensive, at 5-10 bucks apiece, it can definitely add up. They pop my bichir in the head all the time!

Butterflyfish are like minny arowanas. They will jump out of the water to grab food and will eat crickets readily. Check them out.

Lionhead cichlids are cool looking, and they can stand their ground against a wave of 3-inch piranhas. Never seen or heard of a Fairy Cichlid besides a few minutes ago, so they may not be compatible, but who knows!

Everyone knows what a Bichir is. Cool looking eel-like fish that sits around looking prehistoric all day!

I hope you take into account and check out the suggestions. You won't regret it!

 

[EntoStentor]

As always, I urge you to have an African biotype!

12 Congo's
3 African Butterfly Fish
a pair of Lionhead or Fairy Cichlids
1 Senegal Bichir

My Tetras are like freaking piranhas. I bought 5, one died, and then I got another 6 a few months later. Needless to say, in less than a week, they have murdered 4/6 tetras! My advice is to get them all at once so they can form a peching order. They are also relatively expensive, at 5-10 bucks apiece, it can definitely add up. They pop my bichir in the head all the time!

Butterflyfish are like minny arowanas. They will jump out of the water to grab food and will eat crickets readily. Check them out.

Lionhead cichlids are cool looking, and they can stand their ground against a wave of 3-inch piranhas. Never seen or heard of a Fairy Cichlid besides a few minutes ago, so they may not be compatible, but who knows!

Everyone knows what a Bichir is. Cool looking eel-like fish that sits around looking prehistoric all day!

I hope you take into account and check out the suggestions. You won't regret it!

55 gal is way too small for a sen in my book, 12 congos seem a little excessive for a 55 as well

 

[duanes]

I would advise against the PTC for a 55gal. They grow out to 10in and super skiddish. More than likely kill itself fleeing while spooked.
View attachment 1454839

I would also advise against the GT as they get to big. If you like the looks of GTs you can get some of it's smaller cousin, (Andinoacara Pulcher) BlueAcara, that looks very similar. View attachment 1454841
In a 55 a pair would work, with some tall bodied Tetras, Cory cats, Bushynose pleco.

Agree with both ideas here.
A 55 is too small for both of these species. Maybe a GT if there were no other fish added, just one GT.
But the acara are a much better fit and allows for some leeway (possibly some dithers).
I keep one of the other Andinoacaras (A coerleopunctatus) and even though it only maxes out about 7", I consider its territorial needs to be far too great for a 55 gal.
I keep mine in a 180, and the alpha pair killed number of others before settling into a territorial equilibrium.