Cheap easy fish for a 55g?

DragonFish

While I do agree on the point that each fish is an individual and has its own personality, its best to make an estimate basted on the average temperament of the fish and the personal experience of others before purchasing as you will not know that particular fishes true personality for a good while after you get it. Its best to be safer then sorry, especially with the larger Cichlids like the Oscar and Jack.....Its about a 50/50 chance with the Pleco IMO.
Its a possibility to place other large Cichlids with an Oscar.....in aquariums of at least 100 gallons. But even then theres still a risk for trouble. Also, all Cichlids to my knowledge that aren't super aggressive stay rather small, a nice Oscar snack.

Even if you buy fish around the same size, these fish will grow, and as they mature problems will arise.....especially with the Oscar, for, like I said, they grow quickly and get very large.....full grown, a heathy one should be around 12", will devour anything they can fit in their mouth, and kill anything they see as a threat(which would mean any other fish, not all will tolerate a Pleco even).

Anyway, now that I see you don't want the Oscar, good choice However, I'd be wary about putting more then just the Jack and Pleco in only a 55....Jacks can be just as vicious as an Oscar and in a 55 I'd image there would be territorial issues with tank mates.

What other Cichlids had you been looking at? If you forgo the Jack, there are quite a few other options if your looking for more then just one(or two, if you include the pleco)fish.

Kengel

The kind that shows up on Google images >_>

Parrot, Flowerhorn, Demasoni, Convicts, Rams, Frontosas look cool too.

However I honestly have no idea where I'd get these as my local store has about 1 species of everything and everything else they get from time to time from private sellers.

MonsiuerPercy1

In my community tank I have some gold gouramis, giant danios, 2 dojo loaches, some livebearers, cories, an oto, some ghost shrimp, and a couple small assorted tetras.

DragonFish

Parrots and Flowerhorns get very large as well, I'd stay clear of them.

Demasoni are extremely aggressive and, IMO should be kept in a species only tank....though I've heard some having kept them in an assorted African Cichlid tank successfully before. Frontosa I don't know much about, but they are also African Cichlids and should probably be kept in a species tank or with other Africans.

Rams, from everything I've heard, are very sensitive fish, not for the beginner. They also require a very soft PH and a planted aquarium.

Convicts are pretty cool, though they breed like guppys. A pair will soon turn into more then you could count so you'd need a plan for the fry, like giving them back to your LFS for credit. I'm not sure what else you could put in there with them.....like all Cichlids, they're very aggressive come spawning time...which to my understanding is unavoidable if you have a male and female convict.

So, lets start with finding out the PH and/or hardness of your tap water. From this I, and others, can better advise what sorts of Cichlids are suited for your aquarium. If you don't have one, you can pick up a liquid drop test kit, like the API brand, from your LFS, it will have a PH test included and you will need everything else in the future if you want to keep your tank and fish healthy.

Kengel

I'll do that, I don't live in the city-my water's groundwater.

DragonFish

So long as you get yourself a good dechlorinator(I've heard 'Prime' recommended several times)and your tap doesn't test for any Ammonia or Nitrites(test for those along with the PH), you should be just fine. I live nowhere near a city and have always used well water without any trouble at all

stiltman

I would suggest taking a sample of your water to Local Fish Store (LFS) and having them test it for you. They can then show you which type of fish they have in stock that would do well in it. Then, you can go home and do a little research on anything that catches your eye.

Just remember, fish at the LFS are usually juvenile and will usually look much better after 6 months to a year in your tank. Welcome to the hobby, it's a lot of fun.

DragonFish

I'd be wary about advice any LFS/LPS offers, thats usually how beginners end up in some of the worst positions. Always take their advice with a grain of salt and do your own research
But, they can test your water for you.....though an at home test kit is mandatory no matter what. And make sure if you do have them test your water that they're using a liquid dropper test kit as opposed to the dip strips.
'Browsing' trips are good and can be fun See whats in stock that catches your eye, write down names on a note pad, come home, and google until your eyes are sore and your fingers ache

Kengel

I don't have a LFS lol. I go to various pet stores.

DragonFish

xD Same thing really, just the local place you go to buy fish....doesn't always literally mean 'local' and not chain