Help! Stocking ideas for 70 gal freshwater!

[freshwaterfins]

I’ve been into fish keeping for just about a year. The only problem is, I’ve been into bettas so i’ve kept smaller separate tanks. I’ve had 2 ten gallons and i’ve had 3 five gallons. I recently got an old 70 gallon fish tank! It’s in good condition. Came with a canister filter and i’ll buy a good heater. Its set up and i ran it with water to make sure everything working and it is but it’s empty. I want to know everything i’m gonna do before i try and stock it with fish and plants. I have no clue what fish I want considering there’s so many options. I know 100% I want a community planted tank. I ask that you treat this tank as your own and tell me how you would stock it specifically and what live plants. Please take into account i’m fairly new into larger fish tanks and would love as much guidance as possible. I don’t want to do anything wrong or inhumane to these fish Any suggestions help! Thank you, xx.

 

[SaraB]

Rainbowfish always look nice. I also like angelfish. Or you could skip the community and get an oscar. From what I hear they are like the puppies of the fish world.
If you don't mind keeping less flashy non-fin nippers you can keep a betta in a community tank.

 

[mbkemp]

A big Rainbow aquarium is stunning when they mature

 

[Barliman]

You may already have done this, but be sure to water-test that tank: fill it and let it sit 48 hours to make sure the seals are still good.


As for stocking, I'd favor a large school of small fish. These can be stunning. Maybe tetras, and then pair them with an apistogramma cichlid pair.

 

[freshwaterfins]

You may already have done this, but be sure to water-test that tank: fill it and let it sit 48 hours to make sure the seals are still good.


As for stocking, I'd favor a large school of small fish. These can be stunning. Maybe tetras, and then pair them with an apistogramma cichlid pair.

Yep, the water is tested and everything! Thanks for the suggestions. Will definitely look into those types of fish