So...What are my options?

**talldutchie** · 03-16-2013, 06:08 AM

Depending on the exact weather this might be a good idea or it might be setting yoursel up for plant failure.

**steeler1** · 03-16-2013, 07:29 AM

As far as fish go; with a tank as big as that you could put a big school of Congo tetra's and Denison Barbs. They seem to go together well and have close water requirements. Their are also some other bigger Barbs to consider like; Clown, Gold and Rosy.

I once saw a 100 gallon tank that had just Cardinal and Lemon tetra's (about 100 each) that was very attractive.

Just some suggestions but it sounds like you have time to think it out. Have fun!!

**steeler1** · 03-16-2013, 07:49 AM

Congo Tetras at their best:

**funkman262** · 03-16-2013, 12:37 PM

Originally Posted by steeler1

As far as fish go; with a tank as big as that you could put a big school of Congo tetra's

Yes, great suggestion

I've always wanted them myself but have never seen them local and don't like ordering fish online.

You can just browse the fish selection at various online vendors to help see what your options are.

**Cermet** · 03-16-2013, 12:56 PM

If you know little about keeping fish and the local water is hard, go with fish in your local fish store; get easy to keep and commonn tough fish. You will have a great aquarium but one that forgives mistakes and is far easier to keep.

**talldutchie** · 03-16-2013, 01:38 PM

The only way a 500g is easy to keep is if you understock significantly. :-)

**genocidex** · 03-16-2013, 02:08 PM

Originally Posted by talldutchie

The only way a 500g is easy to keep is if you understock significantly. :-)

if the tank is designed with the user in mind (sound like it is) they it shouldnt be too hard. the larger the tank the easier it is to keep parameters stable.

+1 to congos and rainbows. id do 2 different speicies of rainbows and a bigger school of congos. then look into some nice loaches for bottom. you can do a whicked nice school of dojo loaches. if you dont end up doing plants then some silver dollars would be a nice plain contrast to the rainbows and congos.

TBH with a 500 gallon tank they word is open to you for schooling fish. i would like to ask the dimensions....

**Hardy85** · 03-16-2013, 02:12 PM

Yea I would be interested in the tank dimensions... if it is extremely deep and they don't plan on putting in high powered lights, live plants are out and therefore could do silver dollars.. A decent size school of angels would be nice too (I have heard in larger numbers aggression isn't an issue)

But I also would think rainbows would be great. I know I have considered doing a rainbow tank

**Cliff** · 03-16-2013, 02:46 PM

I'm jealous

If you currently building this house now, pic a spot for the tank befor the framing is done. This way you can make sure the floor can be frammed to support that much weight and may even give you the option to put this tank on the second floor if you wish. You can also get a water and drain line put there for ease of maintenance. Or, if the tank is on the main floor, you can have a sump for the tank in the basment which whould ensure the would not be any noise at all up strairs and you can complete all you maintenance in the sump room,

If I will ever have a house built, that is what I would do as well

**funkman262** · 03-16-2013, 02:56 PM

Originally Posted by Cliff

I'm jealous

If you currently building this house now, pic a spot for the tank befor the framing is done. This way you can make sure the floor can be frammed to support that much weight and may even give you the option to put this tank on the second floor if you wish. You can also get a water and drain line put there for ease of maintenance. Or, if the tank is on the main floor, you can have a sump for the tank in the basment which whould ensure the would not be any noise at all up strairs and you can complete all you maintenance in the sump room,

If I will ever have a house built, that is what I would do as well

Sound advice right there. And installing an automatic water changer would make an unbearable task much simpler.