New 55 gallon stocking ideas

[Botanica]

So a friend of mine gave me a 55 gallon tank and I'm trying to decide what to stock. I've been to all the LFSs trying to decide...but I really just get more confused. Most of the African cichlids you find are too young to have color...so that really hasn't helped. I'm pretty sure I'd like to stay with Africans...but I'd like some guidance please. I know I need to over filter and overstock...I have an Aquaclear 110 already for it...what should go with that? I was given a green canister filter with the setup but I do not recognize the brand...so I have no clue what that's about. I have several pieces of petrified wood I was thinking of using as rock...is this safe? I know I'll be using sand as substrate...prob black to show off their color best. Any and all advice is greatly appreciated...thanks!!

 

[Andrew McFadden]

So a friend of mine gave me a 55 gallon tank and I'm trying to decide what to stock. I've been to all the LFSs trying to decide...but I really just get more confused. Most of the African cichlids you find are too young to have color...so that really hasn't helped. I'm pretty sure I'd like to stay with Africans...but I'd like some guidance please. I know I need to over filter and overstock...I have an Aquaclear 110 already for it...what should go with that? I was given a green canister filter with the setup but I do not recognize the brand...so I have no clue what that's about. I have several pieces of petrified wood I was thinking of using as rock...is this safe? I know I'll be using sand as substrate...prob black to show off their color best. Any and all advice is greatly appreciated...thanks!!

You really don't have to overstock as long as you.pick the right fish or do a species tank. Here is a article I like to share from time to time

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/lake-malawi-aquarium-stocking-cichlids/

Stocking numbers imo
16-18lightly stocked
19-21medium
22-24 heavily stocked
I think I wrote those down right

As for the filters the AC110 is cool but I'd add a canister like the rena xp3.

This link may help you some with decor
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/introduction-adding-decor-aquarium/

 

[Botanica]

You really don't have to overstock as long as you.pick the right fish or do a species tank. Here is a article I like to share from time to time

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/lake-malawi-aquarium-stocking-cichlids/

Stocking numbers imo
16-18lightly stocked
19-21medium
22-24 heavily stocked
I think I wrote those down right

As for the filters the AC110 is cool but I'd add a canister like the rena xp3.

This link may help you some with decor
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/introduction-adding-decor-aquarium/

Thanks for the links...both very helpful. So do those stocking numbers apply to peacocks if that's what I decide? I know they get a it larger...

 

[garfy]

You really don't have to overstock as long as you.pick the right fish or do a species tank. Here is a article I like to share from time to time

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/lake-malawi-aquarium-stocking-cichlids/

Stocking numbers imo
16-18lightly stocked
19-21medium
22-24 heavily stocked
I think I wrote those down right

As for the filters the AC110 is cool but I'd add a canister like the rena xp3.

This link may help you some with decor
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/introduction-adding-decor-aquarium/

+1 choose the right fish to curb aggression not overstock.Overstocking causes its own problems such as the need for extra filtration,more frequent and larger water changes and more diligent cleaning.

 

[Andrew McFadden]

Yea I'd say so but if going with a little larger fish that are above 5" I'd lower the numbers a little.