55 Gallon build ideas

[Chronos313]

O I picked up my 55 gallon long today, super excited to get this puppy going. I have to clean the tank as that's just common sense but especially since the tank was not properly taken care of. I donated the fish to my lfs as they would receive proper treatment and care there. I'm hoping to run the aqueon 55 filter it came with and a tetra whisper 30 until I can afford another 55.

I'm going with sand instead of gravel in this tank. Now the filter sits really close to the bottom so I'm taking it I should be careful on how much sand I place inside correct? I'm going to throw out the filters they used and start fresh.

Once all done I'm thinking this as a stocking list

1 bristle nose pleco
5 rummynose tetras
5 Cory cats
My 7-8 platys plus maybe a few juvie fry
2 Bolivian rams
Driftwood
Java moss
Duckweed

What other stock could I go with?

 

[maxwellag]

I don't recommend duckweed because it reduces the amount of light substrate plants get. It also sometimes clogs filters. I would get dwarf water lettuce instead. It is much larger but slower growing, so it would solve both issues.

 

[Chronos313]

Okay so no duckweed. What else would be suited for a 55? I'm surprisingly drawing blanks here. Oh and believe me I felt the wrath of a pregnant woman today and my hiney hurts.

I don't want to overstock either so I'm trying to think at stock or just slightly understocking.

I think Bolivian rams would be a centerpiece no? Any others?

 

[CherryBarb123]

If I were you, I would add at least 3 more rummies. They will be much happier in a larger group, and you will really notice the difference. Plus, they look a lot nicer