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55 gallon Project!

3K views 16 replies 7 participants last post by  Sucidemonkey 
#1 ·
So im buying this 55 gallon tank for 35$ including stand. And i was wondering. What would be Something fun to put in it? i already have a 45 gallon tank with 2 gold fish 1 needle fish 1 pleco and 1 chiclid
and i have a 75 gallon with 2 silver dollars and 1 -13 inch Tiger Oscar.


Any idea's?
 
#3 ·
You could...

Plant it and do groups of schooling fish. Maybe some different tetras, corydoras or kuhlii loaches for the bottom, gouramis or anglefish for the top. You could also do some rams, rasboras, or livebearers. Maybe a smaller variety of pleco. Not all of these at once of course! Basically just do a freshwater community tank with any peaceful species that you like.

Make a large rock pile and do a cichlid tank. Pick a lake and get all species from that area.

Do a species only tank. Have a favorite fish? Make a biotope aquarium that closely mirrors their natural environment, including native plants and landscaping. Lots of people do species only tanks with freshwater dwarf puffers because they are aggressive to other species, but are neat little fish. That is just an example, you could obviously choose whichever fish you like best.
 
#5 ·
sorry to jump off topic but your 45 gallon sounds all mixed up to me.

you have 2 goldfish that are cold water fish, a "needle fish" which im guessing is a gar? that when big will be predatory towards all of the other fish, most likely eating them. a cichlid that needs hard water not to mention possibly an aggressive/territorial fish, and a pleco. besides the goldfish these fish are tropical fish and need warm temperatures. since goldfish grow so large and are so messy your prob. overstocked with just them.


anyways, a planted tank with 20-25 neon tetras?
 
#6 ·
The cichlid in question is actually aggressive which is why I suggested in another of his thread to consider ditching that one. Sell or give it away. The goldies are comets which can reach 18 inches in fact. I'd replace them with orandas, lionhead or ryukins. Pearlscales are best avoided as these are more prone to swim bladder issues.

As for the 55g, I'd highly suggest making it a snail tank with white cloud mountain minnows, guppies, small plecos and even rasboras for tankmates. There are some snails that are illegal for shipping though and are best obtained within the state. A few of these would be Marisa cornuarietis, Asolene spixi, Pomacea canaliculata, Pomacea insularum and Pomacea haustrum. They're all voracious plant eaters especially the juveniles which are more destructive towards plants than adults so unless you plan to keep a planted tank, I wouldn't pick them. Sulawesis (Tylomelania sp.) are legal however these may eat particular plants so they may not appeal you much if you want a planted tank. Look at them closely though and they're very colorful snails.:mrgreen:

Pomacea diffusa, Clithon corona, Vitta usnea and Neritina natalensis will work fine with the last three being very effective algae eaters. The last three are labeled as nerites. Diffusas require permit to be shipped from state to state so make sure the seller you may get them from has permits otherwise the USDA/Aphis will track down the buyers and sellers for possible illegal activity and confiscate your stocks.

If you like predatory snails, try the assassins (Anentome helena). They are fine in planted tanks requiring meaty foods. If you can keep a constant supply of pond snails for them to eat, it's a good idea as they like to hunt down the pond snails. They are not advisable to be mixed with any other snails which they may kill. Even bigger ones are not safe as they are likely to be ganged up and eaten alive. Make sure the fish you mix them with will not nip their snouts or harass them.
 
#8 ·
It will not take for long before you find everyone in tatters. Just get rid of the cichlid before you regret it. Your temperature by the way is too high for goldfish. Keep it at 74 degrees Fahrenheit.
 
#10 ·
Warm temperature can increase their appetite due to higher metabolic rate but this also makes them grow and age quicker hence their lifespan is cut. They tend to be more active at higher temperature than lower.
 
#13 ·
Update on 55!

So, I built me a stand.

Pictures Below

I built it today. it took me about 3 hours to make the design drive to the store bring it back and build it.

Go to these links to see it

http://i44.tinypic.com/2mm8j68.jpg


(Dont mind the rusty air duct. i had a tank infront of it that splashed water on it and it got all rusted :[ )
http://i40.tinypic.com/2rr1egz.jpg



And here is the tank with some Fish baby food at the bottom so i can start getting the tank cycled faster.

http://i40.tinypic.com/2s0hl6v.jpg



I had a old filter i bought a while ago on it. Its only on there to circulate the water and Has live rock at the top of it.
I Am going to build myself a Wet/dry filter Later this week. If any one knows any good guides that would help alot considering ive never done it before :p

Also i have a Small light on it to Help speed it along. Once again this is just aquarium supplies i had lying around.

I need to purchase a Glass top for the Aquarium and a 4 foot light


I am considering sand substrate any Pro's and con's yall can just shout at me?

Im glad i found this forum, with people who share the same hobby.
 
#16 ·
i bought one of those bonsi trees when i was in Florida :)
i don't seem to be able to get it to stay all fixed together :(
your tank looks great.
 
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