Help me plan my tank

[Zilla]

After having done the Oscar / Convict / Texas Cichlid/ Firemouth thing ( not all at once, nor did I have them all in the same tank LOL) I've decided to go the more peaceful route. I did have Jewels once as well, but I think I lucked out as they were pretty mellow.

Since I'm headed into a planted tank, I've taken a liking to Bolivians and German Blue Rams. I'd be happy with a species tank of one or the other, but I know that won't fly with my husband or son, so I need suggestions.

The tank is a 55 gallon

I'd prefer to stay within the under stocked or well stocked range. I don't like the idea of teetering on or being in the overstocking range. I like "elbow space" and feel fish deserve the same treatment.

Stock will come from a reputable company that only sells tank breed animals.

I won't be able to sex whatever I buy as all the fish they get in are very young. I suppose I could try and order some adults, but young fish are fun to watch grow up.

I've been looking into plecos and corys and haven't decided on what I want. At one point I was going to add cherry shrimp, but after researching them some more, I've decided against it. Maybe somebody I'll set up a smaller tank and keep shrimp in that instead.

I've been told that I can keep a Angel in with Rams, but I worried about fin nipping or the Angel smacking around the Rams around. Thoughts?

This leaves me with the top swim space being vacant for the most part. I'd like to have a school of something for this layer. Due to where the tank is and the noise level that it is capable of ( I have 2 Blue Front Amazons that like to make their voices heard) whatever is chosen for this layer cannot be flighty.

All suggestions will be taken into consideration.

[rich311k]

I have never had a problem with rams and angels in the same tank.

You could do lots of things. Rams, angel school of tetras , corys, a smaller type pleco.

There are other peaceful plant friendly cichlids. You have keyholes, apistos, festivums lots to pick from.

If you are not tied to cichlids you could do a rainbow fish tank.

[Northernguy]

Rams with a school of cardinals,a school of cories and a Bristle nose or other small pleco makes a great tank!
Your options are endless if you avoid any aggressive fish!

[Flowcus]

I'd say in a heavily planted 55 with plenty of hiding spots a pair of rams or two. Or a pair of rams with a pair of Kribs ( apistogamma ). A smaller school of some kind of tetra, A 5-6 corydora shoal, and a dwarf pleco like a Clown or a Bristlenose.

And again in a well planted tank having even a pair or trio of angels I wouldn't worry about the rams. Rams may be small, but they can definately hold their own with a similarly sized or slightly bigger fish.

As far as the upper water getting occupied... my ram freely swims all over and is towards the top quite often. Along with my new pair of angels... their always all over the tank it seems.

Regardless enjoy the tank, and have fun stocking it! thumbs2: