Need Help Setting up a new 55 Gallon tank

[masoud100]

Hi Masoud, I think a 55g seems big to some of us, but in all honesty it's not a big tank. The standard perfecto 55g measures 48x13x20 and although it is long, it is not a deep or wide tank. I've kept angels for years, and the smallest tank I have a group in now is 75g. I also have another group in a 125g, and that seems crowded at times too. The reason I say that is because plants tend to grow, and occupy swimming space. If your angels reach a mature size they can be as long as 6 inches, by as much as 10 inches in height (because of their fins). Keeping them in small groups is not the end of the world, it can be done, and they may not pick on each other (if the male/female ratio is right, and you don't get a pair that bond, because aggression will be 10x worse), but in small groups they won't be as happy as they could be given they're social group fish, and over crowding a tank can lead to other issues like high nitrates, disease, etc. Whatever you choose, just keep that in mind. As far as tank mates are concerned most tetras (except neons) are a good idea if they're big enough, bigger catfish, dwarf cichilds and corydoras are all very compatible. I like keeping cories with my angels because they help eat the food leftovers.

Okay thanks for the positive information without the bashing. What about for plants. I have 108 watts light by Hagen Glo. I also think I have a Fluval C02 system and substrsate for plants

[exv152]

It's not a question of bashing. It's got to do with what's best for the fish, not the aquarist.

As for the lighting, the 2x 54w T5HOs are good. I would go with easy plants, like any species of cryps, hygrophila, anubias etc. The co2 will definitely help, and the stratum is good too.

[Shawn84]

A group of 6-8 angel need at lease a 75G tank. You can look into Apisto many different color variant. Active and will do nicely in the tank of your size.

[Stussi613]

Okay thanks for the positive information without the bashing.

I'm sorry if you feel like I've been bashing you.  I've been trying to point out that you've asked the same types of stocking suggestions a number of times, and every time your story seems a little different.  I'm trying to save you from having to redo this tank again all the time and provide the fish with a healthy environment.  Did you notice I didn't tell you not to put Angels in the tank, and I gave you advice on some other fish to add?  We all want to help you have a great tank, that's what we are hear for.

[masoud100]

That's okay I understand where you are coming from and honestly I don't like changing it much since I waste more money. But regarding plants I believe I had hygrophila and was growing very well. How should I put the plants. Like which ones are the shorter ones and which are the longer ones. I will be having driftwood in their as well. And let the tank run for a while before adding any fish.

[exv152]

That's okay I understand where you are coming from and honestly I don't like changing it much since I waste more money. But regarding plants I believe I had hygrophila and was growing very well. How should I put the plants. Like which ones are the shorter ones and which are the longer ones. I will be having driftwood in their as well. And let the tank run for a while before adding any fish.

There are some easy to grow low maintenance, and lower growing plants like anubias nana,


cryptocoryne wendtii


The hygro tends to grow tall, and is best for the back regions of the tank.

[masoud100]

Ok thank you

[masoud100]

Ok guys I have pretty much everythong ready. My tank is planted, co2 is in etc. I had borrowed my cousinsfish to start bacteria even though my substrate was already preready with bacteria etc according to the bag. Now I want to start stocking by adding like a fish or 2. How is a red tail black shark with live plants. What would his tankmates be for a 55 gallon planted tank? Red tail black shark is my fav fish but I had completly forgotteb about it. So would he be suitable for my planted tank and what would a stocking be with him in it. Thanks.

[Stussi613]

Red Tail Black Sharks can be aggressive, although they don't usually eat other fish in the tank.  They can harass other fish to the point of death though...so whatever you put in make sure it's able to hold it's own.

[masoud100]

Red Tail Black Sharks can be aggressive, although they don't usually eat other fish in the tank.  They can harass other fish to the point of death though...so whatever you put in make sure it's able to hold it's own.

My main concern is, will it be okay with plants such as water wisteria. Also what tetras would be good with rtbs. Would cardinals and rummynose scholl still work out.
What about bigger tetras such as beunes aires tetra, congo tetra, etc.

And which of these are good woth rtbs, angelfish, gouramis, rams, apistos, Siamese algae eaters, otto cats?

[masoud100]

Does anyone have an answer. Because I will be starting tmrw morning.

[masoud100]

When should I do a water change. Its been 4 days my tank has been setup. I have plants and co2 going as well. Also how much should I dose flourish excel. Should I follw the bottle saying one capful every day or two.

[masoud100]

Well my current stocking in my 55 gallon tank is 5 buenus aires tetra, 2 electric blue rams, 2 rainbow cichlids and 1 redtail black shark. I would like to add some bottom dwellers to eat the left over. I am xurrently thinking albino cory catfish. I am also thinking of adding more buenes aires tetra to make the school bigger. Should I add oto catfish or siamese algae eaters or both? I am open to suggestion. I will upload a picture or video soon.