Here was my advice to Puffergirl about her new 50 gallon:
_______________________________________________________________
Everybody always ignores my rainbowfish suggestions (*fumes good-naturedly*), perhaps bcz the rainbowfish in the LFSs are usually boring (boring species, boring specimens). But I'll suggest one more time...
I think Boesmani, Threadfin and especially *Praecox* (also known as Dwarf Neon) Rainbowfish are absolutely gorgeous (also Axelrod, Celebes).
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/scateg.cfm?siteid=21&pCatId=886 Well, it's not just a matter of taste; they are! And the link doesn't do them any justice. Under the right light they really deserve their names... I'd change to them if I had an empty tank in the blink of an eye. Two school2 of 6-8 of each species would be perfect for a 50 gallon. They're a bit $$... but if you're looking to avoid the ordinary (sheesh) you've got yourself a truly stunning tank. Add some plants and you've got heaven... My favorite planted tanks are rainbowfish tanks (discus a close second). If you got a few of one of the rainbowfish spp., I'm sure you could get a discount...
Other suggestions... so many possibilities! I'm always in favor of a Rift Lake Cichlid Tank. Malawi Cichlids give you soooo many possibilities, and are really beautiful (
www.malawicichlids.com). 3 smaller (3-4 inch) species in a 1M:3F ratio would be just about right for a 50 G.
Ah, I'm sure others have ideas. No need for me to hog the thread...
______________________________________________________________
Rainbows are a lot more affordable than discus. Look for *good* pictures on the net. A lot of ppl take cruddy pictures which make the fish look dull. Rainbowfish are some of the most beautiful fish out there, and few ppl are willing to give them a try coz they're just a little bit more $$ than other species. If you find a good store, you can prob get Boesmanis for $8 each, same with the other species. Give it a thought!! If you do set up a rainbow tank, I'll really envy you!
Oh, and how on earth did you get a 55 for $15? or is that a typo?