Which one is for me?

[FlowerHornNOOB]

My 56 gallon heavily planted tank is full of plants, but no fish What should I do?! I'm looking at something unique and interesting, namely a small predator like a Leopard Bushfish and African Butterflyfish.
Specs:
56 gallons 36 x 18 x 20 Established
Various low tech plants (Swords, crypts, etc)
15 gallon sump w/ filter media and heaters
Some leds over the display
10-25% WC depending on water params
My three favorite stocking lists so far are:
List 1~
1 Leopard Bushfish
2-3 African BF Fish
3-5 Small upsidedown cats or Twig Farlowella catfish
List 2~
3+ Angelfish
3-7 Cories
5-7 Marbled hatchetfish
List 3~
One big predator, if there are any that would fit the bill. Too bad I can't house a FW YT Cuda
Thanks!

 

[brich999]

Are piranha legal where you live? If so they love planted tanks. Also based on dimensions and equipment, is your tank rimless? Might want to rethink butterfly fish and hatchet fish if it is rimless

 

[FlowerHornNOOB]

I'm in Cali, so I think they're illegal. I would love to have one though....
Not rimless, has a net/glass top too.

 

[FlowerHornNOOB]

Anyone have some other suggestions?

 

[FlowerHornNOOB]

Anyone else have an opinion? Lotus and swords all have plenty of leaves waiting for a predator to hide in hehehe

 

[Dr.B]

you could put a senegal bichir in there he'd probably love it in there and it would look really cool with him slowly creeping around the tank during feeding time.

 

[FlowerHornNOOB]

Bichirs are pretty neat. However, they seem to get pretty big, and on some sites recommend a much larger tank (60 x 24 x 24).

 

[justarn]

red wolf fish?

 

[fwprawn]

Your two lists look perfect - I'd go with the twig cats over the upside down cats.
Throw a few smaller tetras in the mix as well, for activity and color.

 

[Dr.B]

Bichirs are pretty neat. However, they seem to get pretty big, and on some sites recommend a much larger tank (60 x 24 x 24).

senegals don't get very big and would do pretty good in your tank they only get 8-10" max