Compatible Fish for 55 gal?
 

I've just recently setup and began cycling my 55 gal tank. It's pretty well established with plants and such. I've got some Java Ferns and lots of different blades/grass that has begun spreading as well as wisteria that's begun really growing along the back of the tank. Right now all I have is a pair of Zebra Danios but I'm looking to actually begin populating the tank soon. I had a 20 gal before with a few Blue Gourami's and would like to have Gourami's again, but the Mrs. want's Angelfish or Discus. I've been eyeing German Blue Rams lately though as my local fish store has had a healthy tank for a few weeks now that has slowly been dwindling in population...

I would like to have a few small schools of danios and something else (any small colorful community fish will work).

-A pair of German Blue Rams
-2 pair of blue gouramis
-and then either 2-3 discus or angelfish
-a pair of pleco's (undecided on what sort, recommend something possibly?)

now I'm no expert and am relatively new to communities and what works together. In a month or so when all the fish are in the tank it will be very well planted so there should be adequate cover and such for the different fish to have their own areas but am I asking for trouble putting those fish together? What's the most # of fish I should really be looking at? And am I allready over the max for a 55 gal? Just looking for a bit of help and or insight.

-Grant

try quite a large shoal of pearl danios as these will be fine with the other fish you mentioned and they look realy nice when the light reflects off them

People say discus can be put together, I go by the breeders and wouldnt put discus together. I have heard angelfish are semi agressive, but I think they should be fine with the other fish. Not to sure on them. I always like tetras =D Dont get anythinng small if you are getting the angelfish.

my local aquarium friends say I shouldn't have too much problem once my tank is completely established as far as plant cover with the fish combos I'm looking to use... just gotta wait the few months tilll plants grow up!

I was thinking of putting together a 55g specifically for angelfish. From what I've been reading, they do best in groups of 3+. Here's what I'm playing around with currently:

4 angelfish
2 kribensis cichlid (debating as I'm hearing conflicting things about them tending to be aggressive as they mature)
2 blue rainbowfish
2 mosaic (pearl) gouramis
2 opaline (blue) gouramis

Planted with hornwort, wisteria and an anubias in the center. Was thinking of using flower shrimp as they tend to get larger and less likely to get eaten.

Dropping kribs from the list. :) Wasn't that firm, just kinda liked the look.

Yeah, rethought some things and now looking to do this setup:

11 danios (current residents of the tank 2 weeks into cycling w/ water/filter media from an established tank - 4 zebra, 4 blue, 3 purple passion)
6 tiger barbs
5 cory cats
1 bristlenose pleco or a couple oto's
6 kuhli loaches
4 GBR
2 Pearl Gourami
2 Blue Gourami
2-3 killifish (latest idea to replace angels or discus, no idea as to which one yet though)

Is that going to be overstocking a 55 gal high tank? Lots of plant cover as well as plenty of feeding for the bottom dwellers...

That is going to be too many fish.

you sure? the corys, kuhlis and pleco will stay at the bottom while the schooling fish (danios and barbs) will be all over, killi's at top and GBR's and Gourami's hanging out in where they like...

if I take out the killifish would it still be too much? :?