new to forum with a couple of questions

[pisan]

hello all . I had a tank many eons ago and much has changed since then so here is what I have so far

55 gallon ( 48 long 22 high 13.5 deep ) on stand designed for said tank . steel

I purchased 2 aqua clear 50s for it I figure a little over kill is good

have 200 watt heater

2 output air pump designed for a 100 gallon also bought valves to tome it down if needed

bubble disc with changing led lights just for wow factor .

4 lbs of gravel in dark blue

thermometer actual glass not stick on to tank glass

covers and led lighting ( day / night mode )

that is all I have so far I plan on using bio home ultimate media in filters sounds like great stuff . I do not plan on live plants and still have to get it all up and running and cycled but want advice on what I already have and display fish selection don't mind high ph or brackish set up but want colorful fish that are hardy . please speak frankly I can take it . thanks

 

[TMaier]

Why just 4lbs of gravel?

I use the biohome media and I have been happy. Just had it for 6 months so far and waiting for that mythical nitrate reduction. Lol

 

[pisan]

sorry 40 lbs

 

[TMaier]

That sounds better.

Equipment sounds fine. Start your tank cycling. I would suggest you not buy anything else until until you have decided on the fish. Their preferred habitat will influence the rock/wood/plants etc.

 

[nirbhao]

Hello and welcome! Lots of wonderful fish to choose from.

 

[pisan]

going to be a couple of weeks before I will be able to even start cycling tank . bought new furniture and have to paint first so tank waits but will be well worth it . picked up a 20 gallon today for sick / quarantine tank just incase and will be running a foam filter on the bottom of one AC50 so I can cycle 20 immediately if needed .

 

[pisan]

just asking . is filter placement that important . my thought it is in the center of each side with heater in-between at angle .. thoughts

 

[pisan]

how about recommendations on fish . colorful , movement , filling water Colum easy to care for and hardy . don't mind slight overstocking . no planted might add corner foam filter ( just because ) brought back glass heater and got aqueon pro 200 watt

 

[Fresh2o]

just asking . is filter placement that important . my thought it is in the center of each side with heater in-between at angle .. thoughts

That sounds like a good plan. Anything to reduce the amount of dead zones or areas of low flow.
As for what to stock it with, that's such a wide open question. Everyone has their favorites and most will work with that tank size. Sometimes it's more of a matter of compatibility with different species. My advice is to think before adding, do it slowly/gradually, and get a decent test kit (you may have mentioned the latter previously).

 

[pisan]

plan on using API master freshwater testing kit ( liquid not strips ) your right about compatibility want community tank with a gourami or 2 just looking for active , color ease of care , compatibility and lastly but not least hardy