Freshwater beginner 55 gal

[Poletap]

I am new to the game and had some questions. I am trying to create a lake theme and seek advice on some catfish that don't get too big and compatible tankmates that resemble fish you'd see in the lake. I just filled the tank this weekend and currently trying to cycle the tank with some tinfoil barbs.

 

[Mumma.of.two]

Welcome to AA! It's quite pretty with the moon lights. I like it! So you are fish in cycling with tinfoil barbs. What kind of cat fish are you looking into getting? Are you wanting one larger one or a school of smaller ones. I'm quite a fan of cories and bristlenoses.

 

[redsea]

I am new to the game and had some questions. I am trying to create a lake theme and seek advice on some catfish that don't get too big and compatible tankmates that resemble fish you'd see in the lake. I just filled the tank this weekend and currently trying to cycle the tank with some tinfoil barbs.

Very nice tank, it looks fantastic!

 

[richardh]

Love the blue moon lighting. Good job! You've certainly inspired me for my next project

 

[Poletap]

I was interested in a cat species that don't get too big (about the 6" range) but big enough to hang with slightly aggressive cichlids. I've seen some that resemble perch at a glance (jack dempseys for example). More fishing pond than tropical or vivid.

 

[Poletap]

I am wanting a small school of cats but not opposed to slightly different ones if that's not a bad idea.

 

[BBradbury]

Peaceful Tankmates

Hello Pole...

Corydoras are very peaceful and make good additions to a community tank. They're long livers and can get to two and half to three inches long. I prefer Panda and Orange Saddle Corys. I have some that are over a year old and just over an inch long. So, several of those would do fine in a 55 G, with other peaceful fish.

Mine prefer lower light, less than a watt per gallon of tank volume.

B

 

[CalvusAtx]

The tank looks great! You should take a look at pictus cats. They are easy to find, don't get very big, they're nice looking and super active. I don't know how they'd fair with JD's but they might work.

 

[Poletap]

Thanks for the love.. I think I'm gonna try the pictus cats. Some pics of the living... I added a gar. I know he's gonna get too big, but I'm gonna hang wit em until about 5". He is such an interesting fish. I appreciate the help....

 

[CalvusAtx]

What kind of gar is it? Looks like a "silver gar" which don't get big at all.

 

[Poletap]

It is a silver gar. I guess I got lucky on that one. I though I might end up with a monster in there. Thanks for the info. As you can tell I probably need to do some research...

 

[Morgie]

You could also look into sun cats. I have two in my 55g. They top out at about 6" and are very pretty as well. They aren't as decorative as pictus cats and might look a little more natural for a lake-inspired tank.

 

[Poletap]

I've never seen em but I'll check em out. Thanks for the tip.

 

[Morgie]

They actually grow to 9", I must have hit the wrong number by accident. Still a good fish option for a 55