Need a larger centerpiece fish for my 55.

[ratsmax]

Well I trust the advise from people on this forum so if you say its not a good idea I won't do it. Although I'm thinking of stocking this. 6 Congos 10 rummynose 10 black neon tetras 10 corydoras. This video has just made me fall in love with congos...

[Taurus]

Well I trust the advise from people on this forum so if you say its not a good idea I won't do it. Although I'm thinking of stocking this. 6 Congos 10 rummynose 10 black neon tetras 10 corydoras.

Now this is a start to a good stocking plan. Pearl gourami are another fish you might want to consider.

[SueD]

Nice. I've had the black neons too and I like them, but did not have good luck with the stock I got. Down to 2 left out of 7. But that might just be that they came from PetCo. The Congos will be the stars of that tank. Any chance you could squeeze in a couple more than 6 - even one more? (I like odd numbers, myself) I know they get to a good size, but they are so pretty.

[Boundava]

The rainbows, like I said, get large for a 55, and it would be better to stick to a smaller species that doesn't reach more than 3". Mine are already almost too large and I am rehoming them in the next 8-10 months. The dwarf neon, threadfin, and celebes are all good options.
Congos get very large if properly cared for, a size that a school of 10+ would be best suited to a 5 foot or more tank, but if they were the only swimming fish in your 55 gallon, they would do much better than being with. Like someone mentioned already, Diamond tetras are a great option.
Denison barbs are the most unreasonable for a 55 gallon out of the 3, again speaking in long term. I've have one that I've had for 3 years now and it's literally 5 inches, and they are active fish. There are plenty of barbs appropriate for a 55 gallon, though.

That would depend on what rainbows. Many rainbows will stay 1-2" like the threadfins, blue eyes, neon rainbows and forktails. Other varieties can get quite large to be in the correct numbers for a 55 gallon tank.

I find many barbs to be too aggressive for other fish-so if you are going for a tankful of barbs make sure they can hold their own. The exception I have come across are the cherry barbs and gold barbs-both of which you can have in a 55 gallon tanks as they are comfortable in schools of at least 6. The cherry's will stay small (2 maybe 3") the golds get a little bigger (3-5"). I have had both with corys, tetras and a betta in a 55 gallon tank with no issues.

The congos are gorgeous but I think I read they are lower pH and favor pristine water conditions-so I chose Diamonds instead.

[Lady Hobbs]

I kept 1 angel with smaller fish in a 55 gallon and all was well. But all angels are not equal in dispositions. I've also had angels that would kill small fish in a heartbeat. If you want to keep larger fish with smaller fish, make sure you have lots of places for the smaller fish to hide. No tank needs a "center piece" fish. Large schools make for a nice centerpiece all by itself and the smaller ones won't be hiding all the time in fear of the big one.

In regard to rainbows, there's no reason they can not have a lifespan as long as others. They do like cooler water, LOTS of swimming room and to be in large schools. I agree with Faded when he said a 55 gallon is actually pretty small for rainbows.......other than the neon's. It's not because they don't fit but because they like that large school and are very fast swimmers.

[ratsmax]

I agree to the fact schooling fish can make a great center piece but thats what I did with my other 55. Also Boundava I have found through my research that congos are hardy if their going into an established tank. They do need some time to adjust before they stop hiding but once they do they come to the front of the tank.

[gronlaura]

If you don't do the congos, the diamonds are a great alternative. I have 12 in my 29 gal and they are super. You could do a large school of 20, with 10 rummys and 10 sterbai cories. Remember, the diamonds and rummys like a bit warmer water, 76-80 deg and the sterbais can handle that.

[ratsmax]

Lets say I went for more smaller fish and wanted a pearl gourami. Should I get one or could I get more?

[Taurus]

I think you could do 5 or 6 pearl gourami in a 55. Just get them as juveniles and that way you don't need to worry about sexing them. If they mature together they should be fine. Not saying you have to get that many but more than one would be just fine.

[afro123]

if not pearls honey gouramis are a great alternative,they are also said to be the most peaceful of gouramis