[Fishwatcher14]

Well, I've currently got a 55 gallon aquarium with 3 common goldfish, 1 comet goldfish, and 4 mollies in it. Because the goldfish are about five inches each now, I believe it's time for them to find a new home. When they're gone, I've been thinking about starting a community tank. But, I don't know what types of fish to buy.

The tank's 55 gallons long, has an AquaClear 50 and a Tetra Whisper 10-30i. I do not own a heater (Something I'll be sure to buy).

So, anyone have a list of fish that I could buy? I'll be keeping the mollies. I've looked but I just can't decide on what to buy!

[dmuddle]

Hey, man have you ever though of angels? I think they are peaceful and nice to watch and when I think of community tank Angels pop straight into my mind.

[Fishwatcher14]

Hmm... Angels.... Possibly. I'll look into that real fast. :)

[dmuddle]

Just make sure you get that heater first, because Angels are adapted to warmer waters.

[Fishwatcher14]

According to aqadvisor.com, my tank and filters could only handle four or five of the angelfish. I guess I could always try... But, I don't want to have the same problems with my new fish that I am having with my goldfish.

[thekoimaiden]

If you don't want to have the same problems go for smaller schooling fish. Angelfish get large and need to be in groups of more than five to spread out the aggression. Another member here is rehoming his five angels in his 55 gallon tank because they are becoming too aggressive.

You'll want to look at some of the hardier tetra and barbs like Von Rio tetra (Hyphessobrycon flammeus), X-ray tetra (Pristella maxillaris), Glowlight tetras (Hemigrammus erythrozonus), and Cherry barbs (Puntius titteya). For the bottom look for fish like bronze cories (Corydoras aeneus) and/or masked cories (Corydoras metae). Harlequin rasbora are another choice. (Any time you see a shaded name click for a picture and more info.) All of these fish like to be in groups, and in your size tank you could have an impressive school of them.

[Fishwatcher14]

Good idea. Any tips on how to start a planted tank? Where would I buy the plants?

[Fishwatcher14]

Sigh... Oh well, seems like my step dad's got his little heart set on a salt water tank. I don't think we're ready for one yet.... It'll cost us more than $250 just to get everything we'll need to do it. Not to mention how much harder it'll be. And the cost of the fish. And everything else. Maybe I'll make one of my unused 10 gallons into a planted tank.

[thekoimaiden]

There is a saltwater section here if you'd like some tips. I'm a fan of freshwater over saltwater because it is less work and the equipment is much less.

A 10 gal is still a good size to turn into a small planted tank. I've got two 10 gal planted tanks right now and love them. I just have a basic gravel substrate (some of my tanks have basic sand), and the basic hood (but I did need a different bulb). Most pet stores will carry the basic plants like java fern and anubias. Some stores will get more in, but it depends on your area. And fish really enjoy them, too.

[Fishwatcher14]

Yeah. It'd be around $300 to get the tank started. That's not including fish... I figured that it'd be under $100 for a freshwater in the 55 gallon and just over $100 for a 10 gallon planted tank. I've got a good sized peice of driftwood I found at a lake that I'll probably use. I think that I'll start with the ten gallon and use it as a step up from my tank with the goldfish in it. Then, I'll decide if I can really handle a saltwater. I'll be the one keeping it clean and feeding the fish most of the time. I just did a 1/2 water change on the 55 gallon. It hasn't finished cycling yet so the water's real cloudy. Hopefully it'll clear up soon.