Getting Started With New 55 Gallon Aquarium

[AnxiousVentures]

Hi!

With our current tank dilemmas, we are going to be starting the cycling on a new 55 gallon tank.

I guess I'm wondering what best practices are for freshwater tank in terms of substrate that is fish and plant friendly, as I know some fish struggle with sand and there might be an ideal base for plants. Since we are starting from a brand new tank, I'm hoping to do this the right way.

I'd also love some guidance on how to stock a tank appropriately. My current tank includes a pretty random and ecclectic mix, that I now know may not be the most appropriate.

I'd love any great resources for this new venture!

 

[Aiken Drum]

Are you planning on moving all the fish over from your other tank or starting from scratch with your new tank and keeping the old tank running?

 

[AnxiousVentures]

Are you planning on moving all the fish over from your other tank or starting from scratch with your new tank and keeping the old tank running?

Definitely planning to move the fish over once the new tank is established. The only two I'm thinking to keep separate are the African Dwarf Frogs - I may opt to keep them in their own tank.

 

[Aiken Drum]

If the plan is to keep and move all your current fish then you should stick with what you have got, just up the numbers of those social fish like the tetras and danios.

As to your tank, stay simple. 2 to 3 inches of gravel or sand substrate. Find a nice piece of driftwood, some rocks or artificial rocks. If you are looking at plants, make sure they are easy low demand plants. Amazon swords, java fern, anubias, java moss, maybe crypts. None of these need much in the way of specialised substrate or lighting. A weekly dose of an all in one fertiliser, maybe root tabs for the rooted plants. Weekly water change once everything is established.