Stocking 55Gal

[CosmicAbsolute]

Hey all, new to this, haven't had a fish tank in a long time, am getting a 55 gallon, will be starting to cycle it next week, need some advice on stocking it, did some basic research around, plan was to get a couple of Bala Sharks, figured while they grow I can save up for the bigger tank they will need, and some Ghost Shrimp for cleanup, just not sure on tankmates, plants etc any help would be greatly appreciated

 

[Ninjouzata]

In my opinion, you should not purchase a fish that cannot live it's whole life in your tank, while you may plan on upgrading life can get in the way of that.
What are some of your preferences? Seems you like big fish

 Is your water hard or soft? pH?

 

[CosmicAbsolute]

That was my thought to, will probably ditch the Bala idea, haven't got my testing done yet, not getting tank until friday, so I know I don't have all the info that would be helpful in suggestions, once I have that will throw it on here, as for preferences, the more colorful the better imo, though would prefer to avoid any aggression issues

 

[ncguppy830]

well we cant suggest really until we find out water reading but are you interested in cichlids?

 

[CosmicAbsolute]

Absolutely, from what I've seen at lfs and internet, they look pretty awesome, plan on getting my testing done tomorrow so I can update this with proper ph numbers etc

 

[Ninjouzata]

Oh lovely! Hopefully Wills pops in here and can help you out, as I have no idea on cichlids
Imagine you don't have a tank layout in mind yet?

 

[CosmicAbsolute]

Not yet, figured I would find the best fish to go with, then set up the tank to keep them happy, will get the sand/gravel/whatever, plants and all that fun stuff at roughly the same time, to avoid constant trips to get new stuff

 

[CosmicAbsolute]

Just a quick update to this, just ran my pH test (API Masters Freshwater) water is at 7.6

 

[ncguppy830]

ok so your ph is a little to low than the desired for africans but i think that might be the minimum, if you dont do african cichlids than you can certainly do livebearers. might i ask what is your KH?

 

[Ninjouzata]

My pH is also 7.6, I can tell you the stocking of my tanks if you like. Or you can find them on my profile just by clicking on my picture or name. Something that is good to do is go to the store and browse the tanks, write down the fish you like, and go home to research them/ask about them here.

 

[CosmicAbsolute]

That was my plan, figured I would ask suggestions here, you folks know more about it than I.
 
As for the kH test, lfs was out of that kit when I was there, going to a different one tomorrow after work to get it, Ninjou, would love to know your stocking to give me some ideas

 

[Ninjouzata]

This is a wonderful forum and everyone wants you to be happy with your tank as well.
It's actually not fully stocked yet, have been having some issues, not sure if it's on my side or where I'm getting the fish.
Will be getting them shipped from a fellow member soon to see if that helps, but currently 8 albino corys, 4 rummynose tetras. Will end up being 1 Golden gourami, ~17 rummynose tetras, 8 albino corys, and 8 kuhli loaches.
It would probably be better for me to up the corys and not get the loaches but..I can't resist those faces. Probably not the most gorgeous or interesting stocking but hey
Something you might enjoy would be doing some smaller fish but on a larger scale, here is a list of fish suitable for smaller tanks: http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/418749-nano-fish/

 

[CosmicAbsolute]

That's awesome, I wasn't sure about the cory's, saw a couple of them, but wasn't sure, though I do like the look of the Sterbas (spelling?) Cory, and I do like Barbs, just want to make sure everyone will get along before I stock it out (after the cycle of course)

 

[CosmicAbsolute]

Quick update (again) just got my kH test done, according to this it's 110, provided I did it right

 

[Ninjouzata]

Corys are great fun to watch. What kind of barbs? Some are fine with community setups and others are not, or rather they can be hit and miss.
Hopefully someone can come along to make some suggestions for you