Well I read through this whole thread too and I would just like to say a few things.
When you get your tank started, I wish you the best of luck. I would recommend book marking TONS of build sites, and having your dad look at all those sites and start to gain an understanding on it all. I think it is very wise to try to build a mini model, worst case scenario, you can't build it and don't want to, then all you need to do is look into a 100 gal + tank for some of your stock, and rehome some of it as well. Best case scenario, you love it and build it awesome, and you can start building on your dream tank for your stock. It seems that your family is well off, and that financially, it won't be that big of a deal (just make sure that your dad is aware of it will be in the thousands to build, and it will be fairly expensive to maintain.)
Also, not saying he doesn't, but also make sure your dad is aware that you could probably find a 250 gallon for around $500-$1000 on CL eventually, and that would work for your current fish. I understand how it seems small though to the 500, but compared to the 55 gallon, it is ENORMOUS! I would freak over a 250 gallon! Lol.
Your dad seems pretty darn awesome though, when I was 16 and was saving up for a 75 gallon tank, my dad got mad at me and said that I needed to sell all my fish (a 29 gallon tank) and stop wasting money on frivolous things, and start saving for a car and college. Yep, definitely not a fish person. Oddly, one of the few fish he likes are oscars and pictus, he thought they were such awesome, cool catfish because his friend had some.
And just because we are on MFK, doesn't mean you can't have oscars and other "normal fish." Personally, I would have rays and gars, but that's just because I am a total ray and gar lover. But it's not my tank, so I am not going to tell you that you shouldn't have the fish you want JUST BECAUSE I don't think they are "cool" or "monster" enough. If they don't get along compatibility wise, that's a whole nother story, but that doesn't seem to be the case. Although I do agree that if the fish pair up, you will be faced with other fish getting torn fins and attacked by them possibly, which will result to bacterial infections and all sorts of health issues, which is NOT fun. So although I understand your dream of wanting to have the fish pair off and breed and act as they would in the wild, it's just a disaster waiting to happen.
Although 4 years seems like a LONG time from now probably, I am just curious, what do you plan on doing with the fish when you leave for college? Or do you plan on staying at home? Just wondering, because someone will have to do water changes, feed the fish, etc. If your dad wants to be primary fish keeper when you leave, and will take proper care of them (water changes, feeding, filter maintenance, etc.), then that's good, but if you plan on just breaking down the tank when you leave, then I'd re consider building it. Also something to consider, how are you going to do water changes? I know some people have built a fancy filter where it will change hundreds of gallons a a time, without them moving a finger, might want to look into that?
Good luck with however it turns out!
When you get your tank started, I wish you the best of luck. I would recommend book marking TONS of build sites, and having your dad look at all those sites and start to gain an understanding on it all. I think it is very wise to try to build a mini model, worst case scenario, you can't build it and don't want to, then all you need to do is look into a 100 gal + tank for some of your stock, and rehome some of it as well. Best case scenario, you love it and build it awesome, and you can start building on your dream tank for your stock. It seems that your family is well off, and that financially, it won't be that big of a deal (just make sure that your dad is aware of it will be in the thousands to build, and it will be fairly expensive to maintain.)
Also, not saying he doesn't, but also make sure your dad is aware that you could probably find a 250 gallon for around $500-$1000 on CL eventually, and that would work for your current fish. I understand how it seems small though to the 500, but compared to the 55 gallon, it is ENORMOUS! I would freak over a 250 gallon! Lol.
Your dad seems pretty darn awesome though, when I was 16 and was saving up for a 75 gallon tank, my dad got mad at me and said that I needed to sell all my fish (a 29 gallon tank) and stop wasting money on frivolous things, and start saving for a car and college. Yep, definitely not a fish person. Oddly, one of the few fish he likes are oscars and pictus, he thought they were such awesome, cool catfish because his friend had some.
And just because we are on MFK, doesn't mean you can't have oscars and other "normal fish." Personally, I would have rays and gars, but that's just because I am a total ray and gar lover. But it's not my tank, so I am not going to tell you that you shouldn't have the fish you want JUST BECAUSE I don't think they are "cool" or "monster" enough. If they don't get along compatibility wise, that's a whole nother story, but that doesn't seem to be the case. Although I do agree that if the fish pair up, you will be faced with other fish getting torn fins and attacked by them possibly, which will result to bacterial infections and all sorts of health issues, which is NOT fun. So although I understand your dream of wanting to have the fish pair off and breed and act as they would in the wild, it's just a disaster waiting to happen.
Although 4 years seems like a LONG time from now probably, I am just curious, what do you plan on doing with the fish when you leave for college? Or do you plan on staying at home? Just wondering, because someone will have to do water changes, feed the fish, etc. If your dad wants to be primary fish keeper when you leave, and will take proper care of them (water changes, feeding, filter maintenance, etc.), then that's good, but if you plan on just breaking down the tank when you leave, then I'd re consider building it. Also something to consider, how are you going to do water changes? I know some people have built a fancy filter where it will change hundreds of gallons a a time, without them moving a finger, might want to look into that?
Good luck with however it turns out!
id probably also take a couple bites as well. Thanks for all the advice! 