Gutsy Mix, Can it be Done? 2.0

[SilverArowanaBoi]

Also, I think I've finally figured out my tank. 1 Raph (maybe 2, but I highly doubt it), 1 Green Terror, and 1 Red Wolf fish. I know I'm pushing size limits, but I think it will work. Also, these fish will be spread out time-wise. I already have the Raph, but I will get the Green Terror soon and start the process of getting my tank the way I want it permanently. I will get the Wolf Fish later in the year (It will be the centerpiece of my aquarium).

I want to make a hardscape along with some floating plants, could anyone give some pointers? I currently have two large lava stone rocks and two medium-sized pieces of tiger wood, but I'm going to get rid of the rocks (and maybe replace them with large smooth cobbles). I want a large piece of wood as the hardscape centerpiece and maybe some rocks to weigh it down. What floating plants do y'all recommend? Also, do y'all recommend any plants that can survive in sand with no soil beyond Anubias, moss, and bucephalandra?

 

[Deadeye]

Anubias does best tethered to a rock or stone rather than buried in substrate. I’ve had good luck growing valisneria in sand (does well in gravel too).
For floating plants, I like giant duckweed - more attractive than the standard duckweed but does the same thing. Hornwort is also good but gets out of control fast.
I wouldn’t recommend a terror mixed with a wolf. At best, the gt will be constantly shredded. At worst it will be eaten.
If you want the gt, make that the centerpiece and pass on the wolf.

 

[SilverArowanaBoi]

I wouldn’t recommend a terror mixed with a wolf. At best, the gt will be constantly shredded. At worst it will be eaten.
If you want the gt, make that the centerpiece and pass on the wolf.

I know that it is a risk. I'm hoping that since the GT will be there first, maybe it will establish territory and not let the wolfish abuse it. If there are obvious signs of abuse from the wolfish (or the other way around), I will get rid of the green terror, maybe later replace it with a different tankmate or just let the wolfish live with my Raph. It ultimately depends on the attitude of the wolfish and green terror, but I'm sort of counting on the wolfish being aggressive. Btw, I want the wolfish more than the green terror, so the wolfish will be the one to stay.

 

[Deadeye]

Understood - just note that unless the wolf is significantly smaller than the terror, by the time you notice aggression there may not be a cichlid left to rehome.

 

[Something Fishy Here]

And if the green terror is big enough to not be scared of the wolf, he likely will not tolerate competition in a 55 gal tank. I think your basically rising a coin to see who lives when you try to put these 2 together

 

[SilverArowanaBoi]

Options for 55 Gallon Aquarium.pdf

Here are all my ideas for my aquarium. Yes, I know; I still have some of the ones I've mentioned on this forum. But if y'all could review the less "questionable" ones and give me some pointers and also new ideas that would be amazing! Thank y'all! (let me know if you can't access the link).

P.S. Some of the more questionable ones I probably won't do, except for the wolf fish and the snub-nosed payara (I'm considering both heavily).

 

[Deadeye]

I wouldn’t consider anything that gets too large for the tank. Life is unpredictable and your plan now may go out the window eventually.
The livebearer idea is my personal favorite. You can get some rarer ones (like wild type) for something more uncommon, as well as mix in some smaller cichlids that won’t bother the livebearers (too much) and give the tank a personable fish.

 

[SilverArowanaBoi]

Livebearers aren't a bad idea...maybe I could do a four-eyed anableps? I've never seen those in person, though...

For me...I feel like livebearers (even rare ones) are not exactly what I want. There is still that "common" feel, and I've always liked monster-size fish and cichlids, and to take that further...I like rare ones, ones that people have never seen before in a home aquarium.

I'm the type of guy who doesn't settle for just the norm..I've always liked the rare or questionable things (for example, the rare or weirder Pokemon, rare and unusual rocks and fossils, rare and unusual musical instruments, etc.), and that extends into fish keeping. I don't know if that makes sense, lol.

 

[Joshuakahan]

Livebearers aren't a bad idea...maybe I could do a four-eyed anableps? I've never seen those in person, though...

For me...I feel like livebearers (even rare ones) are not exactly what I want. There is still that "common" feel, and I've always liked monster-size fish and cichlids, and to take that further...I like rare ones, ones that people have never seen before in a home aquarium.

I'm the type of guy who doesn't settle for just the norm..I've always liked the rare or questionable things (for example, the rare or weirder Pokemon, rare and unusual rocks and fossils, rare and unusual musical instruments, etc.), and that extends into fish keeping. I don't know if that makes sense, lol.

Then why not do a straight oddball tank, just pick fish that will fit

 

[SilverArowanaBoi]

I think I will do an oddball tank...how will I? I don't know. lol