Getting a 55gal tank soon!

[IceMan198753]

I am getting a 55gal tank soon and I would like to get some bigger and colorful fish for it. I would also like to keep my tetras. This will be the biggest tank I have ever had and want to make sure I set it up right and have the proper equipment.

What fish I have now...

4 - scizzor tetras
1 - head and tail light tetra
2 - serpea tatras
1 - plecostomus
1 - cherry barb (didn't want him but the lady at the lfs caugh him while getting me other fish and just gave it to me)

ANY advice woud be greatly appreciated as I am a little scared to go up to that big of a tank!!

Thanks

Here is a pic of my tank now!

 

[David R]

You've sort of got an odd mix of tetras, I'd pick your favourite species and go for a group of 20-30 in a tank that size. Post a pic of your "plecostomous" too, there's a good chance it will get too big for your 55g tank and should probably be replaced with one of the many smaller (and more attractive!) species. If you want a few larger fish that won't bother your tetras you could get a couple of angelfish, or some other more peaceful cichlids like festivum, keyholes, dwarf flags etc. I'm more of a fan of natural looking tanks so I'd suggest using sand for substrate, driftwood, rocks and plants to scape it, but if you like fluro gravel and sunken pirate ships then go for it!

 

[IceMan198753]

You've sort of got an odd mix of tetras, I'd pick your favourite species and go for a group of 20-30 in a tank that size. Post a pic of your "plecostomous" too, there's a good chance it will get too big for your 55g tank and should probably be replaced with one of the many smaller (and more attractive!) species. If you want a few larger fish that won't bother your tetras you could get a couple of angelfish, or some other more peaceful cichlids like festivum, keyholes, dwarf flags etc. I'm more of a fan of natural looking tanks so I'd suggest using sand for substrate, driftwood, rocks and plants to scape it, but if you like fluro gravel and sunken pirate ships then go for it!

Thank you for you advice. I was thinking about starting over too and doing a cichlid tank! I could change the substrate, thats no biggie!

 

[tlindsey]

Dwarf Ram Cichlids are compatible with some of the smaller tetra's

 

[IceMan198753]

Dwarf Ram Cichlids are compatible with some of the smaller tetra's

Thank you, they look cool and colorful!

 

[tlindsey]

Your welcome Iceman