I purchased a 55 gallon acrylic tank about two weeks ago for $50 dollars. I love it. I am, however, saddened by the fact that most fish I adore cannot possibly be expected to live in it at adulthood. I feel that the width is tragically small ringing in at 12 to 13" (roughly). What are some of the fish that CAN successfully live in a 55 gallon that is 4' long? I had my eye on convict cichlids, green terrors, south american puffers, etc. I am still uneasy putting any of these rather small fish in knowing that they'll never fully enjoy the environment. Am i wrong to think I am so limited with options?
The tragedy that is a 55 gallon...
- Thread starter pjmars
- Start date
trust once you get them full grown in there you wont be to sad they dont look trapped in that tank
I do believe many Green Terrors approach a foot in length with good care. That's what I'm planning on with mine. I'd rather get him in a big tank now than have to worry about doing it a year down the road. Mine's a gold saum. Maybe that's not the kind of GT you meant?
You can try nics, sals, neets, severums, some earth eater species, etc. You aren't really that limited unless you're wanting to have the beastly CA/SA cichlids . . .
What's funny is that most people see my 55 (which has the nicest stand so it is the focal point of the living room) and remark about it being HUGE. Then I have them turn around to see the 75 in the dining area and the big tank in the bedroom. I'm replacing the 55 with a 110, though not so much because of the depth but because I just wanted more fish. I keep geos in there now and will in the bigger one as well - they can definitely get by just fine in there, and my african cichlids (in the 75 now) did fine for over a year in a 55 too, and in fact don't even take advantage of the extra space in the 75... I'm going to add some more to take up the space! While it's true that a lot of cooler fish require more space there are still plenty of great fish that you can keep in a 55. Or you could always see if someone on Craigslist will give you 100 for it and then buy a 90 instead 
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...I think a 55 gallon acrylic tank is a great tank!
I have never owned a tank that size before but it sure sounds like a good size to have in most rooms.
and for only $50 dollars thats hard to beat.
I would never cut down a 55 gal tank just because some fish would need a bigger one.
55 gal is fine for many fish that could really look good inside it.
Also remember, your 55 gal tank does not have to be the biggest or the last tank you ever get!
Nothing says you cant go out and get a 140 gal or bigger next year...so enjoy the 55 gal.
Who knows, perhaps in a few years this 55 gal tank will get turned into a sump for a monster 240 gal tank and you will start to concider this $50 bucks the best money you ever spent!
I have never owned a tank that size before but it sure sounds like a good size to have in most rooms.
and for only $50 dollars thats hard to beat.
I would never cut down a 55 gal tank just because some fish would need a bigger one.
55 gal is fine for many fish that could really look good inside it.
Also remember, your 55 gal tank does not have to be the biggest or the last tank you ever get!
Nothing says you cant go out and get a 140 gal or bigger next year...so enjoy the 55 gal.
Who knows, perhaps in a few years this 55 gal tank will get turned into a sump for a monster 240 gal tank and you will start to concider this $50 bucks the best money you ever spent!