Begging for opinions.

[mrbondatut]

I know there are to many of these threads to count but please help me stock my fw 55g.

Here are the routes I'm considering.

1. Fairly heavily planted tank with assorted barbs and tetras
2. Cichlids
3. A 2-3 year outgrow tank for fish that can survive with rays when I build my monster (300g+). What those fish are I dont know but I'd love opinions. If I had my monster now it would be Dats or Pbass but I dont think either of those can last in a 55 for more than 2 years

I'm not a new hobbyist. I just can't decide what I want to do. I know I will be happy with any of the above but I am very indecisive.

 

[Loves severums]

# 3 and u could do bichir and dats.

 

[devder1]

# 3 and u could do bichir and dats.

i like it!

 

[jworth]

dats would be fine in there for a couple years they grow quite slow. bichirs would complement them well but stick with the upper jaw species.

 

[purplecandle]

I do not like #3 because 2-3 years for a human is not a long time, but to a fish it is a long time..you do not want to risk stunting...besides you never know what can happen in 2-3 years time..something may come up to delay your build...

I say go with cichlids..there are several different species that get to a decent size, are gorgeous and can live in a 55..

Or option 4

Puffers? Maybe green spots or ceylons or a school of South American puffers?

 

[mrbondatut]

Loving everyones input so far. Would really love to hear some more thoughts

Thanks!

 

[Pyramid_Party]

2 or 3

 

[stefano]

I say get the dats, grow them out, build your tank, then grow out some pbass.

 

[Valous]

Purplecandle has a very good point. I thought I would have been building a tank with my friend about a year ago. but things happen. Now for my opinion would be based on what you already have. I have a couple tanks and dont like them looking the same. so if you already have planted go with cichlids. Maybe get a breeding pair of firemouth or something like that.

 

[Lupin]

2. I like the Lake Tanganyikan setup if you're willing to give that one a shot. I prefer Tanganyikans more than Malawians in my opinion.

Of course, #1 option is also something you can consider. Not all barbs however will be compatible with some of the plants such as Barbus arulius who will nip almost any plant out in my experience.