Pet fish recommendations for a 55

[Sean W.]

Hi guys,

I currently have a 30 gallon (36x12x17(?)) tank that I am considering taking down and putting up a 55 gallon. I have never had a "pet" fish and I was thinking about going that route for the 55.

I was hoping I could get some recommendations for which fish might go well in a 55...

A couple obvious options are a Flowerhorn, Green Terror, Jack Dempsy... I was looking for a suggestion that I might not have thought of.

Couple must haves:

- ***PELLET EATER*** I travel a lot for work, 2-3 days trips a couple times a month and will use an auto feeder
- Be colorful
- Live its whole life in a 55
- Be readily available and not expensive
- I live driving distance to Wes, so anything he carries is an option, as long as it's reasonably priced
Thanks for any help!

 

[Niki_up]

Neither a FH or a GT will work for life in a 55. Some might even argue a large male JD is not suitable for life. Also JDs are not a fish I would classify as a wet pet, they hide a lot with age.

you could maybe try convicts, Honduran red points, or acara

 

[tlindsey]

Hi guys,

I currently have a 30 gallon (36x12x17(?)) tank that I am considering taking down and putting up a 55 gallon. I have never had a "pet" fish and I was thinking about going that route for the 55.

I was hoping I could get some recommendations for which fish might go well in a 55...

A couple obvious options are a Flowerhorn, Green Terror, Jack Dempsy... I was looking for a suggestion that I might not have thought of.

Couple must haves:

- ***PELLET EATER*** I travel a lot for work, 2-3 days trips a couple times a month and will use an auto feeder
- Be colorful
- Live its whole life in a 55
- Be readily available and not expensive
- I live driving distance to Wes, so anything he carries is an option, as long as it's reasonably priced
Thanks for any help!

A female Green Terror would work. Also a tip :If the 30 gallon is already cycled iust fill the 55 gallon add Dechlorinator make sure water temp is about the same as in the 30 gallon. Transfer the filter on the 30 gallon to the 55 gallon and you won't have to worry about a lengthy cycling period.

 

[Carter020108]

Electric blue carpintis
Or grammodes

 

[Backfromthedead]

If you dont already have the 55, i would forgo it for at least a 75. The extra width would open up your options for the type of fish you want to keep.

For the 55, i wouldnt suggest any cichlid that gets over 8" as an adult. Consider a pair of blue acara if you like green terrors.

A jack dempsey will work as a juvenile but may become cramped as an adult.

 

[Carter020108]

electric blue jack Dempsey

 

[Fishnerd360]

A spiny eel, not the bigger species, but zig zags and peacock eels have fun personalities.

 

[Raka]

If you dont already have the 55, i would forgo it for at least a 75. The extra width would open up your options for the type of fish you want to keep.

+1 on this. Currently in the process of switching to 18in deep tanks vs 12ish (55 to 75, 30 to 40), world of difference in stocking options.

 

[FIU Panther]

If you dont already have the 55, i would forgo it for at least a 75. The extra width would open up your options for the type of fish you want to keep.

I second this.

Petco is also running their dollar a gallon sale in which they sell their 75g for 50% off. I'd call around and see if any of the ones near you have them in stock as not all of them carry them.

A 75g will also give you some more wiggle room when it comes to tank maintenance, especially important if you have a busy life style.

Besides what others have suggested have you considered gold fish? Easy to find, come in an assortment of colors, and very easy to feed. They also won't hide when you come around.

For a smaller colorful cichlid there is always convict style cichlids such as Honduran Red Points or Sajicas.. My concern will be if you get a pair they would dominate the tank and produce a ton of fry and that can become an issue.

I guess a salvini would also fit, I just don't know how much of a "wet pet" any of these would be.

 

[Sean W.]

Thank you for all the suggestions guys! I really like the Electric Blue Acara. They kinda look like big Rams. Those are kinda in the lead at the moment!

Unfortunately, because of where my tank is, I am limited to a 12" deep tank. I live in a small studio apartment and simply cannot fit anything deeper.