Kissy's 55g tank

Kissyboots · 08-26-2008, 04:04 PM

So, I really want to get started on the tank, but of course, I can't do anything yet cuz all I have is the tank...

So I figured, I'd start seriously thinking about stocking options. I have a vague idea of what I'd like...

-Peppered Cories (I already have 4)
-Otos (I'm not sure about those yet)
-Some kind of ram (Pets Inc. has GBRs and Gold Rams)
-Rubberlip Pleco (1 or 2? Idk yet. I've been reading other posts and thought they might go well with the otos...)
-Some sort of schooling fish, preferably at least 7-8 fish (Something was already recommended, but I forgot what it was...I think maybe some rasboras would go well...?)

A question about rams: someone said they need to "pair off." What does that mean? I need to buy more than what I want and then see which ones go along well and return the rest? I'm confused.

And more suggestions on the school of fish would be great.

I'm not sure where I am with the number of inches now, but I'd like the max to be within the 1 inch of fish per gallon if possible.

And if anyone has specific first hand experience or info about any of these fish, that'd be great. Except the cories, I've got those under control.

Thanks for any suggestions!!

iapetus · 08-26-2008, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kissyboots

And more suggestions on the school of fish would be great.

As I recall, you've expressed some anti-tetra sentiments in the past (

), but I've gotta say that I really enjoy watching my rummynose tetras. They even tell you when they're stressed out or hungry!

Kissyboots · 08-26-2008, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iapetus

As I recall, you've expressed some anti-tetra sentiments in the past (

), but I've gotta say that I really enjoy watching my rummynose tetras. They even tell you when they're stressed out or hungry!

Hehe, yeah, I guess I was just sick of the black neon tetras I had. They were pretty boring...
I kinda want a cool looking fish that will school a lot, be active, but won't distract from the centerpiece (the rams).

iapetus · 08-26-2008, 04:45 PM

IME, the rummynoses school much more tightly than other tetras that I've seen (e.g. my gold pristellas). I think that's what attracted me to the rummynoses in the first place. What's really funny is when one or two of them suddenly realizes that the school has gone elsewhere and darts around looking for his buddies!

Check some out at the LFS; see what you think.

emmanuelchavez · 08-26-2008, 06:26 PM

If there's some kind of "predator" you'll find that tetras will school more. Safety in numbers, y'know?

sphed · 08-26-2008, 06:37 PM

If you are sick of tetras and want an awesome schooling fish I would go with glass cats. They school real tight, are awesome to look at, and are more intelligent then tetras imo. Only draw back is they are kinda pricey

big54bob · 08-26-2008, 07:17 PM

well there are lots of possibilities for shoalling fish. Me and you think alike because I for one hate tetras.

Have you ever thought of haveing a group of female bettas???

Kissyboots · 08-26-2008, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big54bob

Have you ever thought of haveing a group of female bettas???

I did, once upon a time...

I haven't really had much luck with bettas. They seem to die after a year. Plus my last one totally freaked me out with his bloating thing.

I also wanted to try something new again. The only thing I'll already be familiar with are the cories and otos. Anything else I haven't tried before (but is easy to take care of) will do.

And nothing pricy.

Those glass cats look kinda weird, like some cat just ate the skin off...hehehe. Not really my type.

And it has to be available at either Petco, Petsmart, or Pets Inc. No online ordering.

Kissyboots · 08-28-2008, 10:23 PM

Aaaah!!!!! Gaaaaaaah! I'm so excited!!!!!! I got the stand and the lights today. I built the stand and plugged in the lights and it's all so awesome!!! Now all I have to do is wait for Saturday so I can tear down the 20g, move the 5g, and then get every else set up!!! I'll use the filter pump thing from the 20g and the gravel to cycle the 55g. I'm gonna have to wait some more before I get the real pump though. Aaaaah! I feel like jumping around the house!!!!!!

Ok. I'm ok now.....

Kissyboots · 08-30-2008, 05:37 PM

Before:

After:

Last night I moved Weebo's tank out of my room and brought all the swordtails to Petco this morning. They are in the plant tanks if anyone wants them...

Then I moved all the cories and otos into the 6.6g after I cleaned it and then started setting up the new guy!!!

So, here it is (it looks rather empty and I don't have nearly enough gravel in there.) And I left it backgroundless because I kinda like the color of my wall as the background...

I moved everything from the 20g into the 55g including the filter which is running atm. How long should I let it sit fishless? The only thing that doesn't have bacteria on it are the walls...so I shouldn't have much of a cycle at all right? I was planning to wait a week until I move the cories...any opinions?

08-26-2008, 04:04 PM	#21
Kissyboots Super Fish Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,865	So, I really want to get started on the tank, but of course, I can't do anything yet cuz all I have is the tank... So I figured, I'd start seriously thinking about stocking options. I have a vague idea of what I'd like... -Peppered Cories (I already have 4) -Otos (I'm not sure about those yet) -Some kind of ram (Pets Inc. has GBRs and Gold Rams) -Rubberlip Pleco (1 or 2? Idk yet. I've been reading other posts and thought they might go well with the otos...) -Some sort of schooling fish, preferably at least 7-8 fish (Something was already recommended, but I forgot what it was...I think maybe some rasboras would go well...?) A question about rams: someone said they need to "pair off." What does that mean? I need to buy more than what I want and then see which ones go along well and return the rest? I'm confused. And more suggestions on the school of fish would be great. I'm not sure where I am with the number of inches now, but I'd like the max to be within the 1 inch of fish per gallon if possible. And if anyone has specific first hand experience or info about any of these fish, that'd be great. Except the cories, I've got those under control. Thanks for any suggestions!! __________________ Kissy's Tank <--NEW PICS AND BLOG ENTRIES!!

08-26-2008, 04:45 PM	#24
iapetus Medium Fish Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: 34:09:39N, 118:08:19W Posts: 572	IME, the rummynoses school much more tightly than other tetras that I've seen (e.g. my gold pristellas). I think that's what attracted me to the rummynoses in the first place. What's really funny is when one or two of them suddenly realizes that the school has gone elsewhere and darts around looking for his buddies! Check some out at the LFS; see what you think. __________________ 10G planted - 4 gold pristella tetras, 2 peppered cories 29G planted - 1 wag swordtail (f), 2 pineapple swordtail (f), 11 rummynose tetra, 3 emerald catfish, ~5 baby swordtails, 2 ghost shrimp, 4 otocinclus Go Rice Owls!!! It's time to ride. --- Shawn

08-26-2008, 06:26 PM	#25
emmanuelchavez Super Fish Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 1,367	If there's some kind of "predator" you'll find that tetras will school more. Safety in numbers, y'know? __________________ 100, 29, 20, 10, 2.5

08-26-2008, 06:37 PM	#26
sphed Little Fish Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 166	If you are sick of tetras and want an awesome schooling fish I would go with glass cats. They school real tight, are awesome to look at, and are more intelligent then tetras imo. Only draw back is they are kinda pricey __________________ 55 Gallon Journal (click me) 5 discus, 2 cory cats, cockatoo pair,10 black neons, 15 glass cats, 3 bushynose plecs 48 Gallon Tall: 1 EBJD, millions of kriblets, 3 kuhli loaches, 1 american flag fish, 3 elephant nose's, 12 roseline sharks, 1 red eye puffer, 1 albino gibbicep . 10 Gallon Quarantine:albino gibbicep

08-26-2008, 07:17 PM	#27
big54bob Super Fish Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: On my office chair playing Runescape Posts: 1,300	well there are lots of possibilities for shoalling fish. Me and you think alike because I for one hate tetras. Have you ever thought of haveing a group of female bettas??? __________________

08-28-2008, 10:23 PM	#29
Kissyboots Super Fish Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,865	Aaaah!!!!! Gaaaaaaah! I'm so excited!!!!!! I got the stand and the lights today. I built the stand and plugged in the lights and it's all so awesome!!! Now all I have to do is wait for Saturday so I can tear down the 20g, move the 5g, and then get every else set up!!! I'll use the filter pump thing from the 20g and the gravel to cycle the 55g. I'm gonna have to wait some more before I get the real pump though. Aaaaah! I feel like jumping around the house!!!!!! Ok. I'm ok now..... __________________ Kissy's Tank <--NEW PICS AND BLOG ENTRIES!!

08-30-2008, 05:37 PM	#30
Kissyboots Super Fish Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,865	Before: After: Last night I moved Weebo's tank out of my room and brought all the swordtails to Petco this morning. They are in the plant tanks if anyone wants them... Then I moved all the cories and otos into the 6.6g after I cleaned it and then started setting up the new guy!!! So, here it is (it looks rather empty and I don't have nearly enough gravel in there.) And I left it backgroundless because I kinda like the color of my wall as the background... I moved everything from the 20g into the 55g including the filter which is running atm. How long should I let it sit fishless? The only thing that doesn't have bacteria on it are the walls...so I shouldn't have much of a cycle at all right? I was planning to wait a week until I move the cories...any opinions? __________________ Kissy's Tank <--NEW PICS AND BLOG ENTRIES!!