55g stocking add ons

[Drumachine09]

Ok, so i scratched the idea of an oscar, because apparantly, 55 is to small for an oscar now. And ideo was shot across by sanddigger about severums. I would like to get two green severums and this is what i have hashed out.

2x Green Severums (buy them when small/hopefully get a matched pair)
1x Bristle nosed pleco
Xx of corys/other bottom feeders


How many corys should i get, or is there another better bottom feeder? Also, is that pretty much all i can put in my tank, or is there room for something else? I would really like to keep the severums if possible, however, if they arent doable, i would like to have a pair of medium (4-5") fish that would do well. Thanks!

[cocoa_pleco]

8 corys'l work. I had 6 in my 33g.

[Lady Hobbs]

I see no reason you can't have two severums. Possibly some dither fish would work in there, as well, like danio's or rasbora's? Can't say as I know much about this but sounds like a plan to me.

pH: 6.0 - 6.5
Hardness: 5 dGH
Temperature: 73-77 F (23-25 C)

I'd love a couple of these fish myself but am running into the same problem I'd have with dwarf cichlids. My waters too hard and my pH is too high.

[Drumachine09]

I see no reason you can't have two severums. Possibly some dither fish would work in there, as well, like danio's or rasbora's? Can't say as I know much about this but sounds like a plan to me.

pH: 6.0 - 6.5
Hardness: 5 dGH
Temperature: 73-77 F (23-25 C)

I'd love a couple of these fish myself but am running into the same problem I'd have with dwarf cichlids. My waters too hard and my pH is too high.


Well thats a thought. Hmmm. Any other suggestions?

[Rue]

I think that's a much better plan than the Oscar...

And I agree with the corys...get 8...or even a few more...

[Drumachine09]

I think that's a much better plan than the Oscar...

And I agree with the corys...get 8...or even a few more...


Alright, cool, someone agrees with me! SCORE! what about having "dither" fish in with the severums?

[Drumachine09]

Also, how should i decorate my tank for the severums. I wish the poster formerly known as 100gw would be on (now severus), becuase i know he has some.

[slingham64]

You should try half Albino Cory's an half regular on whatever amount you decide. I just put 2 Albino's in my 10 gallon an they look really sweet.

[Drumachine09]

Does anyone know how to decorate a tank for severums?

[Glasstapper]

severums aren't typical digging cichlids, so you can go with live plants if you like the look of it. As for other deco, they aren't too picky (from what I've read). Driftwood and rocks would probably be appreciated. As for gravel, the severums don't really require a certain kind, but your corys do. Either smooth gravel or sand is best for those guys' sensitive little barbels. Here's a test: take a handful of the gravel and squeeze it as hard as you can. If the gravel hurts you and leaves indentions in your hand, then it's probably too coarse. I also really like the look of a dark substrate, but that's up to you to decided how you want to show off your fish.

As for dithers, I'm always a fan of tiger barbs. Many people use them as dithers for cichlids, they get along fine with corys, and they grow to about 3 inches, so you won't be squinting your eyes to find them in your tank. They are incredibly active, entertaining, cheap, and hardy. When kept in schools of at least 8 or more, they don't seem to display any fin-nipping behavior and keep their aggression to themselves.

Sounds like a nice tank plan you have. I can't wait to see pictures!

[Drumachine09]

severums aren't typical digging cichlids, so you can go with live plants if you like the look of it. As for other deco, they aren't too picky (from what I've read). Driftwood and rocks would probably be appreciated. As for gravel, the severums don't really require a certain kind, but your corys do. Either smooth gravel or sand is best for those guys' sensitive little barbels. Here's a test: take a handful of the gravel and squeeze it as hard as you can. If the gravel hurts you and leaves indentions in your hand, then it's probably too coarse. I also really like the look of a dark substrate, but that's up to you to decided how you want to show off your fish.

As for dithers, I'm always a fan of tiger barbs. Many people use them as dithers for cichlids, they get along fine with corys, and they grow to about 3 inches, so you won't be squinting your eyes to find them in your tank. They are incredibly active, entertaining, cheap, and hardy. When kept in schools of at least 8 or more, they don't seem to display any fin-nipping behavior and keep their aggression to themselves.

Sounds like a nice tank plan you have. I can't wait to see pictures!


Cool, thanks. i think the tiger barbs would be a great idea. My gravel color is currently florite and clown puke (as chrona calls it). I did the squeeze test, and it should be fine for the little buggers. I do need to pick up a peice of driftwood at the LFS, but i am getting money for the 29 setup that i sold today, so after school tommorow, heres what i will get.

2 green severums
6 tiger barbs
10 albino corys
1 large peice of drift wood.


Does annthing stick out to anyone?

[Chrona]

Flourite is actually pretty sharp. After washing mine I got a few cuts and scrapes on my arms from the stuff. Pretty weird actually, but perhaps mixing it with gravel mitigates the effect.

[Drumachine09]

I squeezed it as hard as i could. If it was coal, i would have made diamonds. I didnt feel anything sharp, so i assume its ok.

Quit changing names you dofus, your throwing me off!:hmm3grin2orange:

[Drumachine09]

Now that i think about it, would 10 corys be too many?

[Drumachine09]

Oh yea, and a bristle nosed pleco will be in there too.

[cocoa_pleco]

10 is fine. they clean really well.

[Glasstapper]

10 is a good number, dude. You'll have the pleasure of seeing some real cory behavior! Mine used to love to cruise and make waves at the water line, then dart back to the other end of the tank, just going back and forth acting crazy. And I only had two of them. More of them will bring out more of their personality. Good luck!

[Rue]

10 is great! One thing though...

...if you get the albino corys...get a darker gravel...I had mine on my off-white gravel and couldn't see them...:hmm3grin2orange: