55 Gallon Build! First Big Tank!!

[MC1973]

This is my first actual (big) tank that I have ever had! I had a 10 gallon before this but realized that I can't enjoy the relaxing aspects of an aquarium at that size hahaha

It's so big!!! I don't even know how to decorate it, help me with some good ideas

P.S. right now I have used so much money that I am pretty much broke, do not have any money for more rocks or decorations at this moment :/

Better quality pictures soon!

[MC1973]

Neon Tetras
Tiger Barbs
Dwarf Corydoras
Rubber Lip Pleco? Cant remember the exact name

I know the tiger barbs might be an incompatibility at this point, but they are only babies and not aggressive. I am keeping a very close eye on them right now, their previous tank was too small too.

[Flossie]

Lookin good

[Homedog98]

For some good decorations, it's pretty easy to sterilize rocks you find outside and make them safe to put in the tank. Just put some vinegar on them, and make sure they don't fizz, scrub them in very hot water, and boil them for a few minutes. Let them cool and they aughta be safe.

[MC1973]

Bought some malaysian driftwood today!

Still trying to figure out how to fill up that empty space on the left side.

I am considering getting a huge piece of african wood (expensive I know) like the more flat shape so I can lean it up against the wall of the aquarium. Then I want to run a rope all the way from the wood to the rock on the other side of the tank, hopefully get some stuff to grow on the wood.

[Homedog98]

Very nice! I like it!

[MC1973]

Thanks! Any suggestions on how to work on that empty space? Or just let it grow mad with the java moss?

I tried to put the wood all the way on the left side, but then the middle looks too empty, and also the path looks good only when it's short, but if the path is too long then it doesn't look as good.

[Coleallensmom]

Looks great so far!

[Cobaltskyy]

I really like this tank! Beautiful! What's your tank on....it looked like it was on the floor in one pic?

[WendiDell]

Originally Posted by Cobaltskyy

I really like this tank! Beautiful! What's your tank on....it looked like it was on the floor in one pic?

It does look like it's on a Hardwood floor.

[MC1973]

Haha it's on my floor, I didn't have a strong stand or anything to put it on, so I put it on the floor. It's actually concrete enforced, so nothing will break because I'm in the basement.

[WendiDell]

Originally Posted by mjc11

Haha it's on my floor, I didn't have a strong stand or anything to put it on, so I put it on the floor. It's actually concrete enforced, so nothing will break because I'm in the basement.

Try craigslist for a stand. I got a nice Oak Stand for free, they were moving and the tank had broken. I just had to pick it up and take all the other odds and ends they had too. Some were pretty decent decorations that I used until I could afford what I really wanted. They had a wimpy air pump and air stone and some other things I didn't have yet.
A lot of it was junk but it was worth it for the stand and the things that were usable.
But yours look beautiful so far.

[MC1973]

Thanks for the advice I actually really like it on the floor because I like to kneel down and have my tank eye level when I rearrange stuff

I am planning on adding some texas holey rock!

[WendiDell]

Originally Posted by mjc11

Thanks for the advice I actually really like it on the floor because I like to kneel down and have my tank eye level when I rearrange stuff

I am planning on adding some texas holey rock!

I hadn't ever seen Texas Holy rock before, I just looked it up. It's incredibly beautiful. I think it's a perfect choice. There is so much you can do with rock like that. Can't wait to see your tank after you get the rock.

[MC1973]

Yeah! I am also really excited but it's also incredibly expensive!

I picked up a nice looking rock at the store that was a little bigger than my hand and it was about 21 dollars, really heavy :O Might go back in a few weeks to see what they have haha...

[Kat1103]

awesome looking tank! I'm in the middle of cycling my first 55 gallon too. Keep the barbs. They are such cool fish

[MC1973]

Thanks! I am definitely going to keep the rainbow and the tigers. I am probably also going to keep the dwarf cory cats because apparently the rainbow doesn't seem to mind these little ones from invading its territory. Might have to add a few more barbs though

[har-2109]

Originally Posted by mjc11

Thanks for the advice I actually really like it on the floor because I like to kneel down and have my tank eye level when I rearrange stuff

I've just finished cycling a tank the same size, and I have to stand on a chair to reach the bottom

[WendiDell]

Originally Posted by har-2109

I've just finished cycling a tank the same size, and I have to stand on a chair to reach the bottom

I have to use a short ladder to reach even the middle of one of my 55g tanks. It's a combination of a tall stand and a tall tank and a not so tall person, 5'4". The tank and stand together are 5'8". I haven't finished stocking it yet, I'll put up pictures when I finish.

[Kribensis_2004]

here is what i would do, i would go out to a stream or park and just look for pices of rock or wood that i would find cool and them bring them home to work with. Also i would re scape it when you get all of the stuff together becuse then you will have a better idea of what you are working with.