Noob needs help starting 55g, please

[wannaarro]

Hey, folks. I am getting ready to start up a 55g for the first time, and want to have a cichlid-based community if it's not too small a parameter. I AM open to other suggestions!! I know they can grow pretty large, but aren't there some which don't get too monstrous? (I'm not one of those people who say they'll let the fish grow then get a bigger tank!!) I've been reading alot on the site about cichlids, etc. and the tanks other members have--veeeery impressive. But I just want to have a good solid start with an interesting, colorful, not-too-aggressive community (as a teacher I have enough battles at school, and I can't afford 100g+ tanks right now; not to mention they'd go right through my floor lol). I'm having success with my 10g fishy cycled with 4 live plants and a tetra school, and am ready to start movin' on up. Thank you so much!!

Renee

 

[Stang1]

Welcome to the site...I would say look into a severum they are very docile and attractive fish and maybe a couple of Discus

 

[Ash]

Angle fish are always nice you could put them you 55 and do a planted tank.

 

[JD_MAN]

Like Ash said angels would be good. I have a 55 setup with some angels, rams, and some misc. tetras that have found their way into the tank. I also have some clown loaches in with them that I love and have been wanting to get more.

 

[wannaarro]

Thanks, stang, ash and jd. These suggestions are good food for thought. I really want to create an interesting enviroment for a community. And planning is important!! I really appreciate the help.

 

[rottbo]

sevs willl beat discus up most of the time if you want other cichlids sith discus i would vote rams plus they are both awesome fish and docile sevs can b very mean and will outgrow all the other fish fast

 

[wannaarro]

Thanks, stang, ash and jd. These suggestions are good food for thought. I really want to create an interesting enviroment for a community. And planning is important!! I really appreciate the help. This is a really helpful place!

 

[riggs]

you could also think about African Cichlids from Lake Malawi. About 12 should live quite happily in a 55 for life as most stay around 6" or so. I keep Malawi Mbuna myself in a 55 and they're very colorful and active. Alot of the Mbuna can be aggressive but once you find the right mix of fish to keep together you'll have a great looking, active tank.

 

[gman]

If you like color them go with african cichlids. If you do go with them then get crushed coral or sand for the substrate and plenty of rocks and/or shells. Africans are very active and like to dig so its fun to watch them.

 

[ewurm]

Blue Rams. Not very aggressive, small, and awesome colors.