Blub

Lol... There's a reason you don't invite me to threads about stocking tanks!

Idea 1 - Schooling mayhem!
8 Neon tetras
6 Dwarf neon rainbowfish/Harlequin rasboras
6 Cherry barbs
6 Zebra danios
6 Black phantom/Black neon tetras

Idea 2 - Balanced community
1 BN pleco
10 Serape/Black phantom/Pristella tetras
5 male Platys
1 Angel
6 Corys

Idea 3 - Something a bit like mine... (Pure awesome)

1 BN Pleco
3 Cockatoo/Panda apistos (1 male 2 female)
8 Hatchets
6 Cherry barbs
1 SAE
3 Nerite snails
6 Bleeding heart tetras

Idea 4 - Another community
3 Pearl gouramis (1 male 2 Female)
6 Serpae tetras
6 Harlequin rasboras
1 BN pleco
6 Corys

jjdaugh

Thanks for all the replies. I have been reading so many posts, and have learned so much in a short amount of time.

I will post a final pic in a few weeks once I start adding fish. I have added the suggestions to my fish log so I can compare when at the store.

Thanks,

Jim

Blub

Go round the store with no cash in your pocket and see what interests you. You have plenty of time whilst you are cycling - just post the fish you like here and I'll see what might work!

peacemaker92

Welcome To Fishlore!!

Hatchet has great stocking ideas! Congrats on your new tank!

jjdaugh

Hatchet, I added yours to my spreadsheet.

My water is getting cloudy so it looks like I may have to deal with a possible bloom before I stock. The bloom is weird since I only have 30watts of light for a 55 gallon tank. Also, I am not near a window. Actually, I am in the basement.

Jim

Blub

Could be a bacteria bloom. This is good! It means there are lots of bacteria helping the cycle along. What are your reading at the moment? It could be a few weeks before you are fully cycled yet.

jjdaugh

Currently Ammonia and Nitrites are at 0 and ph is at 7.2. I dont have a nitrate test.

Jim

Blub

So, if ammonia and nitrites are 0 - that means the cycle has not started. You need to get a nitrate test. Are you using test strips or a liquid test? Strips are very inaccurate and you will need a liquid test.

To start the cycle, put a few fish flakes in there, or use the method described in the FW begginers sticky 'Ammonia instructions for a fishless cycle'.

EDIT: This is a cool link: http://www.aquahobby.com/e_freshwate...arium_fish.php

jjdaugh

I have added some flakes, and it has only been running for 3 days. I did add some real plants too so we will wait and see.

I am using the liquid test because of what I read on there. Thanks for the link. I had read it earlier. Great information. Much better than the 16 year old at Petsmart last night.

Blub

I'd add some more fish food then. Obviously the few flakes you added did not produce enough ammonia. Add a few flakes everyday (Pretend you are feeding invisible fish!) to cycle it....

Devon

Welcome!

I have a tank of Black Neons and Tiger Barbs and consider it one of the most visually attractive, active and interesting tanks to watch. Granted all the fish are smaller, but it allows for more... and more movement. So Neons and Barbs are an excellent stocking idea, imo. Good luck with your cycle & keep us posted!

Blub

Hmm... Like:

8 tiger barbs
8 Black neons
1 BN
6 Serpae tetras

jjdaugh

Hatchet,

For your Idea 3, can I substitute black tail Platys for the cherry barbs? Great suggestions by the way.

Jim

Blub

No. I have Platys in there at the moment (It's based on my 48gal) and they are outcompeting the hatchets! I have lost so many hatchets (More than 8) to them outcompeting them for food. I'm taking the Platys back to the store soon! I can honestly tell you the platys are the least iteresting part of the community. If you use that idea, only get the cherries, BN, SAE and tetras in the first 3 months because the others are more delicate and need an established tank.