Suggestions for 55g FW tank

**mlnancejr05** · 12-19-2006, 08:12 PM

I was just wondering what everyone would suggest for a good community tank with a good amount of colorful and active fish. All I have in there now is a male betta and a pleco. Corys are already a definite fish but I would like to hear some good suggestions. Thanks everyone!!!!

**Fishguy2727** · 12-19-2006, 08:19 PM

My community includes: serpae tetras, glofish, lemon tetras, platies, golden wonder killies, yoy botias, angelicus botias, sterbai cories, checkerboard barbs, gold barbs, albino cherry barbs, rubberlip plecos, an otto, and green swordtails. I may add rams and a few other things. I hope this gives you some good ideas.

**Incredulous_Ed** · 12-19-2006, 08:20 PM

Zebra danios are a very active fish and add a lot of life to any tank.

Since it is a large tank, you can put in a school of bala sharks. They are a lot of fun, but also grow quite large

**mlnancejr05** · 12-19-2006, 08:44 PM

I dont want anything that is going to get very big. Maximum growth probably between 6-9".

**Fishguy2727** · 12-20-2006, 04:11 AM

Balas are very skittish fish that need to be in a school, so a 55 is not big enough for them. Silver dollars stay a bit smaller and a school could be housed in a 55.

**mlnancejr05** · 12-20-2006, 01:44 PM

I have never really dealt with schooling fish. What is the best size for a school 5 and up or more than that?

**Abbeys_Mom** · 12-20-2006, 01:50 PM

I think it would be different for each kind of fish. If you are talking tetras you could get away with 2 dozen, if it's torpedo barbs, maybe 3-5? I would decide what fish, and then look at the numbers.

**Lady Hobbs** · 12-20-2006, 01:51 PM

Originally Posted by Incredulous_Ed

Zebra danios are a very active fish and add a lot of life to any tank.

Since it is a large tank, you can put in a school of bala sharks. They are a lot of fun, but also grow quite large

Bala's can get to 12 inches and need a much larger tanks. Even one is too large for a 55 gallon.

**Lady Hobbs** · 12-20-2006, 02:02 PM

I like the rasbora's for schooling fish. I have the red-tails and they are pretty swimming as a group. Only get to about 1 1/2". You have a lot of ways to go. I have the long finned danios and like those a lot. They are purple/blueish.

I have 6 Silver Dollars and really like them. I have them with Angels. The pearl gourami's are nice, too. About the only gourami I still like. If you have soft water and a lower pH, Discus are awesome.

I would find a fish that meets your fancy and then go with what would do well with it and requires about the same requirements. Here's a list of fish and what does well with it.

http://www.elmersaquarium.com/000tropfishcareguides.htm