Looking for Inspiration...

[Chunks-McGoo]

Ok, so I have a 75g tank planted and cycling and have plans for a community tank all set. Mostly some schooling fish and a few Bolivian Rams...

I just got a great deal on a 55g. comes with a pair of filters, but I have not seen them yet, so I don't know what kind or how serviceable they are...

Anyway, I don't know what I should do with the 55. I love fish, reptiles, and almost every other animal that people keep. I want to make a nice Firebelly Toad setup, but I think 55g is too much to dedicate to that. I am leaning toward fish, assuming the filters are good.

So who has ideas?

 

[Homedog98]

I like rainbow sharks... You could do a bunch of tropicals and have a rainbow shark as a centerpiece. Or, you could do a themed tank. Like an Asian theme and do Asian decor and Asian fish. I also saw a thread where a guy made a pandora (avatar) themed tank. That's just what I'd do.

 

[Chunks-McGoo]

Actually, if the filters are good, I am thinking of going with a Rainbow Shark. What do well with them? Maybe a few med size American Cichlids?

 

[Homedog98]

Actually, if the filters are good, I am thinking of going with a Rainbow Shark. What do well with them? Maybe a few med size American Cichlids?

Maybe a few of the less aggressive ones, but you'd have to see the individual sharks personality. If he gets aggressive he'd do great! But if you get a docile one, it could easily get ripped apart by the more aggressive cichlids.

 

[Chunks-McGoo]

Any way to tell how aggressive he is humanely? I mean, should I try moving a few fish in with him from the community tank and see how he reacts for a day or so? Sounds kinda mean if he turns out to be a jerk.

 

[Chunks-McGoo]

I was thinking about some Turq. Severums or blood parrots maybe. both can usually take care of themselves without starting fights.

 

[Homedog98]

You sound like you're better with cichlids then me lol, but I'd just put him in the community for a while, watch him, and see how he does.

 

[Chunks-McGoo]

Perhaps. I might consider letting the shark and whatever tankmates have the 75g. I am still about 2 weeks from stocking that. And I won't get the 55g till tomorrow, so it won't be any time too soon.

 

[Homedog98]

Perhaps. I might consider letting the shark and whatever tankmates have the 75g. I am still about 2 weeks from stocking that. And I won't get the 55g till tomorrow, so it won't be any time too soon.

Sounds good.

 

[Chunks-McGoo]

My 75g has about an inch to an inch and a half of open space along the back for filters, etc. I don't know if there is something you can get to close that off, or if anyone knows an easy DIY way to do it... But if I can close that I will Do a Rainbow Shark and a school of Tiger Barbs (Green if I am lucky enough to find a school of them)

If I can't seal up that hole, I will plant the 55g and use that for the Shark and Barbs. Whichever don't have the Shark will be the community tank I have planned.

BTW, thanks for the advice Homedog, it helped give me some direction

 

[Homedog98]

My 75g has about an inch to an inch and a half of open space along the back for filters, etc. I don't know if there is something you can get to close that off, or if anyone knows an easy DIY way to do it... But if I can close that I will Do a Rainbow Shark and a school of Tiger Barbs (Green if I am lucky enough to find a school of them)

If I can't seal up that hole, I will plant the 55g and use that for the Shark and Barbs. Whichever don't have the Shark will be the community tank I have planned.

BTW, thanks for the advice Homedog, it helped give me some direction

No problem! Glad I could be of assistance! Lol.

 

[El_diablo]

I had a gap in a piece of plastic used for an old filter system at the back of my tank so I slotted a piece of sponge in it to stop my fish swimming thru the gap and getting stuck in there, might work for u?

 

[Chunks-McGoo]

Maybe, trouble is that the tank I got is an older one and the glass lid peices leave a full inch and a half I would say all the way across the back, except where the glass centerpiece is built. Which means I have 2, 20"x1.5" gaps in the back.

 

[El_diablo]

Ah right maybe that wouldn't look too good, u could always silicone some glass over it?