New 55g West African, Cycling? Stocking? Decorating?

[joel.uejio]

Hello all,

I'm a novice fish-keeper with a 20g long community tank (has been running well for 7 weeks), and now starting a 55g. Trying to do some new things with this 2nd tank, but having some uncertainties and questions. So, I would much appreciate some help from you experts out there!

Tank Stats:
55 gallon, pH = 7.9, Temp = 76-82F
Substrate = Play Sand, Filtration = AC 110 HOB + Rena Filstar xP1
Decor = Rocks, Wood, Some low-light plants

Q1: Cycling: I'm trying a fish-less cycle using freeze-dried shrimp. I got a NH3 spike, which dropped and now have been reading NH3=0, NO2=5 (maybe even more), and NO3=5 for about 6 days now (using API test kit). I noticed today I have some white fungus growing. Do I need to worry about that? Should I pick up a commercial "instant cycle" product to get things moving? Should I be doing water changes?

Q2: Stocking: I'm planning on a West African Predator theme with a substitution. How does this look for stocking:

1 Senegal Bichir
1 African Brown Knife
3 Upside-Down Catfish (S. nigriventris)
3 Spotted Climbing Perch (Ctenopoma acutirostre)
7 Boesemani Rainbow (not African, but seem to be a better fit for my water conditions)

Q3: Decor: Any particular decor items I should consider? Are there any good low-light floating plants? I have swords, java ferns, and anubia right now, but they don't cover a lot of volume in a 55.

Thanks All!
PS: You can see my progress here:
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/blog.php?u=97898
(I decided to post my Q's here, b/c I think there are a lot of "ancient" fish experts here)

 

[LittleMonsterFun]

A1: If you do not have any access to previously established filter media from a different tank, adding beneficial bacterial will definitely help the process. And don't worry about the "fungus".

A2: That stocking looks good. Make sure the sen or knife can't fit any of the other fish in its mouth.

A3: I would put some nice driftwood in, but besides that, its up to you.

 

[joel.uejio]

Ok, glad to here my plan is sound. It occurs to me, though, that bichirs, knifes (knives?), cats, and ctenopoma are listed as being shy by day. So I'm wondering if, by day, I might just have 7 rainbows cruising around....

Anybody have any suggestions on another fish (or small school) I could add that:
[a] Would be active by day
Wouldn't get eaten
[c] wouldn't harass the other fish

An Angel? A Krib? Some Hatchetfish? Killifish?

Thanks all! (and thanks for the previous response, LMF)

 

[LittleMonsterFun]

I'm not a cichlid expert, but there are various african cichlids. Try researching a few. Some of the rainbows will be fine, and are also very active. Also, if you need another cool african fish (basically nocturnal), try the African Butterfly fish. Very cool fish, and related to the arowana. (max size 4")