[rjwwrx]

Hi, just wanting opinions on my current stocking and ideas on what to add next, if anything.

First, my water parameters are currently good with nitrates around 10ppm and temp at79F.

I currently have in my tank:
1 powder blue dwarf gourami
1 marble veil angel
5 zebra danio
8 harlequin rasbora
4 glass catfish

I am thinking to add 1 red tailed black shark and 1 smaller pleco(either rubber lip or bristle nose) and maybe a school of 6 or so corys. Would this be ok to round out the tank? I don't want to overstock and looking for opinions. Thanks!

[fish for b]

Hey there, let me lead by saying I am new to this website and am nowhere near an expert, but from I too am establishing a 55g aquarium and have alot of the same fish intersts as you so I have studied alot of those fish that you have. I think that if you want to consider addind more fish that the Black Shark will not work, bc it gets too big and boisterous for your peaceful fish like the gourami and glass catfish. I believe I would consider giving my angel some friends since they like to be in groups or at least pairs or making your glass cat school larger because i read that they stress singly or in too small a group. Also, and again not sure, but it seems like you are getting close to your max in this aquarium so I would definitely make it count for the fish you have already committed to and try to make their environment as peaceful and natural as possible. I think I would try more angels if that won't overfill you.

[Byron]

As I see you are a relatively new member, welcome to Tropical Fiish Keeping forum.

I agree with what fish for b has mentioned. We have fish profiles under the second tab from the left in the blue bar across the top, or in posts if the name is spelt the same it will shade and you can click on that to see the profile for that species.

Have a look at the profile for the Red Tailed Shark and you will see some issues.

Angels should be in small groups, 5 would work in a 55g, check that profile, Scalare Angelfish. Danio are a bit active to have with angelfish, the rasbora are a better fit.

Byron.

[rjwwrx]

My danio have actually settled down a bit since I added the rasboras. I definitely wanted the red tailed shark but will stay away from it with this tank.

Is it essential that I have a group of scalare angelfish? Also, will the addition of 6 or so corys be ok?

Thanks for all the advise and information.

[Byron]

Originally Posted by rjwwrx

My danio have actually settled down a bit since I added the rasboras. I definitely wanted the red tailed shark but will stay away from it with this tank.

Is it essential that I have a group of scalare angelfish? Also, will the addition of 6 or so corys be ok?

Thanks for all the advise and information.

Corys are fine; you have space, i would go for maybe 9-12. They can be mixed species; there are many available though depending upon your local stores you might have to wait for some of the nicer/rarer species, or buy online which is easy if you're in the USA. Minimum 3 of a species with multiple species works well, or 5-6 of each species. The more the merrier. Corys are very social fish and interact a great deal, within species and between species.

Angelfish are shoaling fish, and thus "expect" to be in a group. I wuold not keep one on its own unless it was very old and the last survivor of a group or something. They have social interactions too, and a hierarchy. Three is absolute minimum, unless you want a breeding pair. Try to get a male and two females, though in young fish this can be difficult. The diameter of the breeding tube is how you tell. You can mix varieties, so five mixed would be interesting. The more there are, the less likely one will be "picked on" to the point of death.

[rjwwrx]

Great, I see more angelfish and corys in my future! Thanks again

[rjwwrx]

Talking to my wife and we're thinking of possibly rehoming the angelfish and getting several Boeseman Rainbowfish. Will they do ok in a 55g? Profile says min 48inch so I think I should be ok. Just wondering about others experience

[Byron]

Originally Posted by rjwwrx

Talking to my wife and we're thinking of possibly rehoming the angelfish and getting several Boeseman Rainbowfish. Will they do ok in a 55g? Profile says min 48inch so I think I should be ok. Just wondering about others experience

Yes, a group of 6-7 will be fine. Without angelfish as you indicate.