Rainbows- tank size?

[marie74]

I would like to do a planted tank with rainbowfish. I was going to get a 75 gal tank in trade, but it looks like that might fall through.

The petco $1/gallon sale is still on till tomorrow, but they only have up to 55. They might get 75's in on the next one in April.
Should I hold out for the 75? Or is a 55 good for rainbows?

 

[Mcfly]

55 is good for rainbows, they need swimming room. I would say a 30gall long would be the absolute minimum. Of course 75 is better Will they give you a rain check?

 

[marie74]

So, if I was to get a 55-
what could I stock with?

I'm thinking a group of maybe 5 corys
a tetra for the schooling movement- maybe 6 neons?
how many rainbows? would I be limited to 5 or 6?

 

[Mcfly]

You should keep a minimum of 5 rainbows, because they are a shoaling fish. More is ok, but I would say 8 max in the 55.
Rainbows are swimmers, and fairly active. I have Boesman's and Parkinson's, and they keep things moving. They'll do well with most community fish.

Tetras are also shoaling fish so you should keep 5 or 6 minimum. What you're
Thinking should do ok, just give the tetra some buddies.

My profile has my stock in a 60 gallon to give you an idea.