55 Gallon Tropical Tank Suggestions

[tealover351]

Hey once again! I have a 55 gallon tank that just finished cycling (yes I know, I have a ton of fish tanks and should probably stop buying them?) and I was planning on adding my red tail shark who is alone in the other tank. He is different than the other one (moved him into a bigger tank too by himself) who injured my bala shark (who by the way is doing great on his recovery!). He will be brought over to the tank with the three buenos aires tetra and two tiger barbs that he lives with and happily gets along with. I was going to get three more of the tetra to school but I was wanting to get some more fish in the new tank. I was hoping to maybe get some suggestions from you guys on what other fish would work in this tank. Thanks again!

 

[Byron]

The first thing would be to increase the group of both the BA tetra and the Tiger Barbs. These ae shoaling fish that need a group, and given the available space and their temperament (esp the TB) a group of 9-12 of both is advisable. This will provide what they "expect," and reduce the likelihood of trouble down the road. The past peaceful co-existence is not guaranteed to last, as the small space likely was a factor.

If you could provide the parameters, esp GH, we should be able to suggest additional fish.

 

[tealover351]

The first thing would be to increase the group of both the BA tetra and the Tiger Barbs. These ae shoaling fish that need a group, and given the available space and their temperament (esp the TB) a group of 9-12 of both is advisable. This will provide what they "expect," and reduce the likelihood of trouble down the road. The past peaceful co-existence is not guaranteed to last, as the small space likely was a factor.

If you could provide the parameters, esp GH, we should be able to suggest additional fish.

Okay, parameters are:
pH: 7.4
ammonia: 0
nitrite: 0
nitrate: 0
GH: 8
KH: 5.5

 

[PheonixKingZ]

Okay, parameters are:
pH: 7.4
ammonia: 0
nitrite: 0
nitrate: 0
GH: 8
KH: 5.5

Are you sure that GH reading is correct? (And is it in ppm?)

 

[tealover351]

Are you sure that GH reading is correct? (And is it in ppm?)

no sorry it was a typo. i believe gH was actually 80 ppm i forgot the zero

 

[Byron]

If the numbers are correct, that is soft water, so that provides more options. The groups of Tiger Barbs and BA Tetras limits other fish to those that are similarly active; any sedate fish or fish with long fins will be targets for the TB especially. Some of the larger active barbs perhaps? Or some of the larger danios? By "larger" I mean the species that are in the 2-3 inch (7-8 cm) length range.

 

[tealover351]

If the numbers are correct, that is soft water, so that provides more options. The groups of Tiger Barbs and BA Tetras limits other fish to those that are similarly active; any sedate fish or fish with long fins will be targets for the TB especially. Some of the larger active barbs perhaps? Or some of the larger danios? By "larger" I mean the species that are in the 2-3 inch (7-8 cm) length range.

Okay I will look into Danio fish and some more barbs, my water is always very soft because I have a softener. I will also be increasing their schooling sizes accordingly.

 

[Essjay]

my water is always very soft because I have a softener.

What type of softener?

Some types use salt and these should not be used for fish because of the sodium they add to the water.

 

[tealover351]

What type of softener?

Some types use salt and these should not be used for fish because of the sodium they add to the water.

I’m not sure. It was part of the house when we moved in, pretty sure it doesn’t use salt though because we never have to do anything with it.

 

[Essjay]

Most water softeners have to be recharged, or have something replaced on a routine basis or they stop working. Have you never recharged or replaced anything?

 

[tealover351]

Most water softeners have to be recharged, or have something replaced on a routine basis or they stop working. Have you never recharged or replaced anything?

I believe if anything it is an electronic water softener. My husband does this kind of stuff, so I’ll have to ask him when he gets home from work.

 

[tealover351]

I believe if anything it is an electronic water softener. My husband does this kind of stuff, so I’ll have to ask him when he gets home from work.

It definitely isn’t salt though I know that for sure!

 

[Essjay]

The main thing is that it doesn't add anything to the water which will affect fish. It sounds as though the one you have should be OK, but we do need to check just in case

 

[tealover351]

The main thing is that it doesn't add anything to the water which will affect fish. It sounds as though the one you have should be OK, but we do need to check just in case

Of course I want them to be as happy and healthy as possible. I will definitely double check with him when he gets home.

 

[tealover351]

The main thing is that it doesn't add anything to the water which will affect fish. It sounds as though the one you have should be OK, but we do need to check just in case

Yes it is electric. He says he doesn’t add any sort of stuff to the water. It won’t hurt the fish!