Stocking a 55

[insectocean]

I am planning a future 55 gallon tank.
The tank will be well planted with a cave, flat surfaces and driftwood.

Would it be possible to stock it with
4 angelfish
4 firemouth cichlids

or do i need to go bigger? could i fit more? if i went bigger how many could i stock?

Thanks

[Inspiire]

Both can get aggressive towards the smaller fish. Since Angelfish are more prone to get fin nipped, I would get 4 Angels and only 2 Firemouths.

It all depends on what size the fish are when you get them and their growth rates. If the Angels are bigger, they are likely to bully the FM's. Angels can get pretty aggressive, but I picture the FM beating up the Angels. More Angels in the tank might persuade the FM's to turn their attention elsewhere.

Both get nasty during a time of spawning. Theres a good chance your going to have a breeding pair out of 4 Angels. Once a pair decides to spawn, I suggest to get a barrier to seperate them from the other fish. That will eliminate the fish getting close to the nest, which prevents the fish from getting beat up.

What ever you choose, good luck and be sure to post pictures once its running! thumbs2:

[Inspiire]

Remember, I'm not an expert here. Let someone else chime in before you go buy fish. I would hate to spread bad information and have your fish kill each other, but I'm trying to help out with the little knowledge I have.

Good luck and maybe some other members will pop in!

[rangur1]

i have serious concerns combining angels with firemouths . are you really set on these particular fish? if so, firemouths are heavy ,robust fish. a 55gal tank really is about max for one pair of firemouths. i you are able to you could set up a 125 gal [6 foot tank ] for 4 firemouth, plus say 4-5 silver dollars?
they are more robust and quick than angels,they will stand up to firemouths much better.
if angels are the must have,then the 55 gal is plenty good. they can be combined withmost tetras,except cardinal and neon. also ram and apistogramma cichlids work well. hope this helps, good luck.