My First Aquarium!

t3h_s01j4

Hey all Im new to this forum and somewhat new to aquariums. My grandfather had a whole room what was basically a walk-in aquarium so I learned a few things here and there..

I now have a 55gal tank planning on doing freshwater. I have a powerhead and a filter and a heater going right now starting the cycling process etc..

the fish I plan to add are:
Twin Tail Beta (male)
Black Veil Anglefish
Gold Algae Eater
Hi Fin Lyretail Swordtail
Boesemani Rainbow
2 ghost shrimp
and a Japanese Trapdoor Snail

I looked up on diff compat charts and essentially the info i came up with was have lots of swim room but lots of little nooks and crannies for hiding places as well..

Ill have pix up soon.. Any info on cycling and getting the tank ready lemme know thanks!

Lupin

Welcome.

If that gold algae eater is the Chinese Algae Eater(CAE), I would avoid it if I were you. They can be territorial as they mature and have a tendency to suck the slime coat of other fish much to their annoyance. Try the true SAE. My personal gallery has a picture of the true SAE.:) I'm too lazy to post a larger photo right at this point.

No bettas should be kept with angelfish and Boesemann's Rainbows. Both may just harass the betta. A betta is better off in a 10 gallons tank along with some rasboras or tetras.

Other bottom dwellers you can look into:
Bristlenose, Otocinclus, Corydoras, Pitbull plecs and many more....

For surface areas, there are glass bloodfins, pearl danios, pearl gouramis and African Butterfly Fish. Be sure to place a lid on your tank or provide floating plants. A lot of surface dwellers are known to jump out of the tank.

t3h_s01j4

yeah i cant find a hood for my tank, the one i have now is all busted up.

so swap out the SAE and the betta..

formyfish

Starting an aquarium is so much fun. If you have children it's a must they are involved in every aspect of the hobby. Good luck with all of your future ventures