Advice for newbie with 75gallon

HI everyone. I have a 10 gallon tank that I just finished cycling with 5 very small silver dollars and a bullfrog tadpole. I have a 75 gallon with a beautiful handmade stand, that is currently housing my bearded dragon. I've decided to move my beardie to a smaller long 55 gallon, and convert my 75 gallon to a glorious community fish tank. I need advice about the safest way to clean it in preparation for my fish. Recommendations for adequate filtration and lighting. And, of course, stocking advice. I would like to use sand and various plants. And, hope to stock on lower, middle, and upper levels. The fish I really like so far are guppies, gouramis, pea puffers, panda loaches, wcmms, angels, and GBRs and BRs. Obviously, they won't all work together. I would love a few colorful and or entertaining showcase fish. I know I've dropped A LOT of questions. Being pretty new to this, and having so many needs and options with such a big tank, I'm pretty overwhelmed. I welcome advice from all. Thanks for your time.....

 

So first are you moving the silver dollars to the 75? A 10 gallon is way too small. For tank mates you need fish that are big as them or they will be eaten. I think a sailfin pleco might be doable but with a 75 you can't really have any middle dwelling fish.
@TexasDomer

 

So first are you moving the silver dollars to the 75?
@TexasDomer

Absolutely. That's what got me looking for a bigger tank. I was going to return them once I got my tank cycled. But, they kind of grew on me. I'm contemplating stocking my 10 gallon with either a betta or pea puffers. The pea puffers have to be in their own tank, don't they? Also, I forgot to mention I also really like rummynose tetras, and anything green.

 

Hello conn...

My advice would be to keep the tank as simple as possible. Familiarize yourself with the nitrogen cycle. As for the tank, clean with standard aquarium salt, warm tap water and new sponges. As for bottom material, keep to standard, polished pea-sized gravel. For plants, stay with the easy to grow species. Here are some: Anubais and Java fern for the bottom and Anacharis and Hornwort for the surface.

For fish, go with the hardiest species like Guppies, Danios and several weeks later, add Albino Corydoras. Include Ramshorn snails and above all, keep the tank water clear of dissolved waste material with large weekly water changes of at least half the volume of the tank.

Look into a four fixture shop light from the hardware store with T8, 32 watt, 6500K bulbs and go with a couple of dual head sponge filters.

This should be enough to get you started. Have fun.

Old

 

Congrats on the tank! I'd follow oldsalt777 advice on cleaning.

As far as fish from your list, lots of those won't work together so I'd try to narrow it down to a species or two that you feel you MUST have. And we can build around that.

As for silver dollars, I personally feel that they are too large and too active for a 75 gallon. They need length. They will work in a 75 for a time but eventually they need to be rehomed. If you want to do plants, it will be near impossible with silver dollars as they are voracious plant eaters.

 

So first are you moving the silver dollars to the 75? A 10 gallon is way too small. For tank mates you need fish that are big as them or they will be eaten. I think a sailfin pleco might be doable but with a 75 you can't really have any middle dwelling fish.
@TexasDomer

Why can't I have any middle dwelling fish? I'm honestly not super excited about plecos..... If keeping silver dollars means I can't have any smaller fish, than I will rehome them. I want a peaceful community tank, with lots of different sizes and colors. I thought 75 gallons would be plenty big for that

Absolutely. That's what got me looking for a bigger tank. I was going to return them once I got my tank cycled. But, they kind of grew on me. I'm contemplating stocking my 10 gallon with either a betta or pea puffers. The pea puffers have to be in their own tank, don't they? Also, I forgot to mention I also really like rummynose tetras, and anything green.

Hello conn...

My advice would be to keep the tank as simple as possible. Familiarize yourself with the nitrogen cycle. As for the tank, clean with standard aquarium salt, warm tap water and new sponges. As for bottom material, keep to standard, polished pea-sized gravel. For plants, stay with the easy to grow species. Here are some: Anubais and Java fern for the bottom and Anacharis and Hornwort for the surface.

For fish, go with the hardiest species like Guppies, Danios and several weeks later, add Albino Corydoras. Include Ramshorn snails and above all, keep the tank water clear of dissolved waste material with large weekly water changes of at least half the volume of the tank.

Look into a four fixture shop light from the hardware store with T8, 32 watt, 6500K bulbs and go with a couple of dual head sponge filters.

This should be enough to get you started. Have fun.

Old

Excellent. So, why the polished round gravel? Is sand too much effort to keep clean? I thought I read that sand was easier, because the waste doesn't settle to the bottom.

As far as the fish, do silver dollars fit into the mix? Or would they eat my smaller fish? I love guppies, but, I'm not a big fan of the albino catydoras. They are bottom dwellers, right? What about panda loaches? Gouramis?

Also, do I need to add anything with the plants? I've heard mention of some sort of tabs. And, the light you suggested will work for those plants? Sorry, but, I really know nothing about the plant growing side of things.

Congrats on the tank! I'd follow @ advice on cleaning.

As far as fish from your list, lots of those won't work together so I'd try to narrow it down to a species or two that you feel you MUST have. And we can build around that.

As for silver dollars, I personally feel that they are too large and too active for a 75 gallon. They need length. They will work in a 75 for a time but eventually they need to be rehomed. If you want to do plants, it will be near impossible with silver dollars as they are voracious plant eaters.

OK. Thanks for the feedback on the silver dollars. Those reasons are definitely deal breakers. So I will take them back to the pet store. They are still small enough. So, I would really like to have guppies. Do emerald dwarf Rasbora's fit with them? And/Or celestial pearl danios? And do angelfish work? Seems I was reading that angels are one of the only types of cichlids that will work in communities.....I also really like the green tiger Barb's. But are they fin nippers?

Excellent. So, why the polished round gravel? Is sand too much effort to keep clean? I thought I read that sand was easier, because the waste doesn't settle to the bottom.

As far as the fish, do silver dollars fit into the mix? Or would they eat my smaller fish? I love guppies, but, I'm not a big fan of the albino catydoras. They are bottom dwellers, right? What about panda loaches? Gouramis?

Also, do I need to add anything with the plants? I've heard mention of some sort of tabs. And, the light you suggested will work for those plants? Sorry, but, I really know nothing about the plant growing side of things.

 

IMHO.....get a canister filter, much better than hang on back filters(hob's). You can find good ones for pretty cheap such as SunSun/Aquatop.
Go with sand. It is so much easier to keep clean. All of the debris sits on top of the sand and will not fall into gaps like it will with gravel (depending on size gravel), which makes it easier to see, and you are able to get all of the debris out of the tank.

I agree with the others about the Silver Dollars, they will eventually need a bigger tank.
How about this:
6 Apistogrammas:Cacatuoide, Agassizii, or Borelli. 2 females to 1 male, or all males. Make sure to have a lot of caves, hiding spots, and plants.
7-10 Pencil Fish.
10 Rummy Nose Tetras
10 Rasboras
5 Celebes Rainbows. Anders247, what do you think of this suggestion?

 

IMHO.....get a canister filter, much better than hang on back filters(hob's). You can find good ones for pretty cheap such as SunSun/Aquatop.
Go with sand. It is so much easier to keep clean. All of the debris sits on top of the sand and will not fall into gaps like it will with gravel (depending on size gravel), which makes it easier to see, and you are able to get all of the debris out of the tank.

I agree with the others about the Silver Dollars, they will eventually need a bigger tank.
How about this:
6 Apistogrammas:Cacatuoide, Agassizii, or Borelli. 2 females to 1 male, or all males. Make sure to have a lot of caves, hiding spots, and plants.
7-10 Pencil Fish.
10 Rummy Nose Tetras
10 Rasboras
5 Celebes Rainbows. Anders247, what do you think of this suggestion?

Bluman, I have to say, Awesome suggestions!!! You named 2 gorgeous fish that I'd never seen before. The celebad rainbow, and the apistogramma. I definitely like where you are going. I think I even like the apistogramma better than the Bolivian RAM. And, that was kind of my main thought about getting sand. Besides thinking it looks nice, ID like to hear what anyone feels are the downfalls to a sand substrate..

 

The stocking Bluman gave have too many mid-dwelling fish. In a 75 gallon you still want to have 2 mid-dwelling schools with 3 stretching it.

Here's a possible stocking:
2x angels
4x pearl gourami
15x rummy nose tetras
8x boesmanI raibowfish
12x sterbaI corys

Temp:80F

 

Why does there have to be a set number of schools or shoals in each level?
Are you saying that if I want three schools that are midlevel, I can't have them? Makes no sense to me.

 

The stocking Bluman gave have too many mid-dwelling fish. In a 75 gallon you still want to have 2 mid-dwelling schools with 3 stretching it.

Here's a possible stocking:
2x angels
4x pearl gourami
15x rummy nose tetras
8x boesmanI raibowfish
12x sterbaI corys

Temp:80F

I do really like this list. I even actually like this corycat species. But not a fan of the rainbowfish. Can I do emerald Rasbora's or apistogrammas

Why does there have to be a set number of schools or shoals in each level?
Are you saying that if I want three schools that are midlevel, I can't have them? Makes no sense to me.

Also, Al913 mentioned that with a 75gallon, I can't have any mid dwelling fish. That too, I don't understand...

 

So when it comes to the aquarium you want the schools to actually have space to swim. 3 schools will be probably doable in a 75 gallon however 4 schools is undoable. But the best is to have 2 large schools which will increase the health and morality of the fish. Also a 75 gallon has the same foot print as a 55 gallon but just wider. When it comes to schooling fish length is more important than width and height. You wouldn't put 3 schooling fish in a 55 gallon thus in a 75 gallon it makes more sense to not do 3. Its not always about the gallons! However I would do 2 mid-dwelling school and then a shoal of barbs! Perhaps you could do:

2x angels
3x Pearl Gourami
12x rummy nose tetras
12x harlequin rasboras
8x cherry barbs
12x sterbaI corys

Temp: 78F

 

Blueman's suggestion was fine. You can have more than just two schools of mid-dwelling fish in a 75g..... far more in fact, imo, depending on the stock.

You can have four schools of mid-dwelling fish in a 75g..... it just depends on the species and amount. Though I personally wouldn't do it.

 

Agree! In a tank you can have 4 groups since biologically its possible depending on the typ of schools however when it comes to stocking there is more too it than just bioload, you want the fish to actually have room! Would you rather share your bedroom with 1 person or 3 people?

 

Agree! In a tank you can have 4 groups since biologically its possible depending on the typ of schools however when it comes to stocking there is more too it than just bioload, you want the fish to actually have room! Would you rather share your bedroom with 1 person or 3 people?

No, I'm saying they'll have room.... it's just that I would prefer having larger groups of less amount of species than having small groups of more species.

 

No, I'm saying they'll have room.... it's just that I would prefer having larger groups of less amount of species than having small groups of more species.

So, could I mix rummynose tetra and green fire tetra in a combined school? Or do they need to stay with their exact breed? Also, I love the green tiger barbs. Would they work the same as cherry barbs? I kind of agree about having bigger schools. Just wonder how possible it is to combine breeds within the same type. If that's even the right verbiage. And last, I really love Guppy's. Don't they mostly hang at the top? Could they be added in there anywhere?

So when it comes to the aquarium you want the schools to actually have space to swim. 3 schools will be probably doable in a 75 gallon however 4 schools is undoable. But the best is to have 2 large schools which will increase the health and morality of the fish. Also a 75 gallon has the same foot print as a 55 gallon but just wider. When it comes to schooling fish length is more important than width and height. You wouldn't put 3 schooling fish in a 55 gallon thus in a 75 gallon it makes more sense to not do 3. Its not always about the gallons! However I would do 2 mid-dwelling school and then a shoal of barbs! Perhaps you could do:

2x angels
3x Pearl Gourami
12x rummy nose tetras
12x harlequin rasboras
8x cherry barbs
12x sterbaI corys

Temp: 78F

 

agree with Anders247 and BluMan1914 . Depending on the size of schools and species, you can have more than 2 mid-dwelling schools. You just have to stock those schools appropriately

As far as combining "breeds", each individual species needs at least 6 of their own kind to form a proper school. So while you can have rummy's and green fire's for example in the same tank, they still need at least 6 of each species to form a good school. However, rummy's prefer warmer water and the green fire's are lower 70's tetras. So I wouldn't put them in the same tank.

Tiger barbs are much more aggressive than cherry barbs. You'll want to make sure you have no long finned fish in with tigers like guppy's or angels. Tigers require large schools to keep the aggression down and even then it's a risk if you have long finned fish.

If you want to do guppies I'd avoid tiger barbs and angels if possible. Apistos would probably be ok as they will not dwell in the same area but nippy fish like barbs and some angels will nip the tails of the guppies.

 

Yeah, they need to be in groups of 6+ of their own kind.

 

Yeah, they need to be in groups of 6+ of their own kind.

OK, so I will just avoid the tiger barbs altogether. Am I not making a smart choice wanting to have angels and guppies in the same tank? What I would like to round things out is something really green. That was why I liked the green tiger barbs and the green fire tetra. Any suggestions for a really vibrant green fish that would fit into my mix?

 

How about a green severum as a centerpiece. Or a rotkiel severum

 

How about a green severum as a centerpiece. Or a rotkiel severum

I really like those. They are cichlids, but not rams, right? I've seriously considered getting a couple of cichlids. There are so many. Any other really green fish that come to mind?

 

You should Google green tropical fish for aquariums. Zee what you lime then come back and ask about what you like and what's compatible with the ones you choose.

 

Quick question...what are you going to do with the tadpole once it becomes an adult bullfrog? I heard these guys get big and voracious.

 

You should Google green tropical fish for aquariums. Zee what you lime then come back and ask about what you like and what's compatible with the ones you choose.

I tried that. I've seen them all. The best suggestions I've gotten on here. You guys seem to know about a lot of fish that I can't find, searching on Google. For instance, apistogramma borellii. Now there is a beautiful fish. I've searched cichlids and rams, but, keep getting suggestions for beautiful new ones that I've yet to see.

Quick question...what are you going to do with the tadpole once it becomes an adult bullfrog? I heard these guys get big and voracious.

Yes, I believe that's true. He's the sole survivor from the fish my son won at the fair. There were also two goldfish that died. They were actually what got me into this hobby. I know when he gets big enough, he will eat any fish in the tank. But, I ve also heard they can take up to 3 years to mature. That sounds ridiculous. But, I've had him for 2 and a half months, and he's barely grown at all. When he starts to become a threat, we will just release him. We live out on a farm, and there are full grown toads everywhere. I figure, having survived the fair, he's earned the right to some TLC for a while

agree with Anders247 and @ . Depending on the size of schools and species, you can have more than 2 mid-dwelling schools. You just have to stock those schools appropriatelyAs far as combining "breeds", each individual species needs at least 6 of their own kind to form a proper school. So while you can have rummy's and green fire's for example in the same tank, they still need at least 6 of each species to form a good school. However, rummy's prefer warmer water and the green fire's are lower 70's tetras. So I wouldn't put them in the same tank. Tiger barbs are much more aggressive than cherry barbs. You'll want to make sure you have no long finned fish in with tigers like guppy's or angels. Tigers require large schools to keep the aggression down and even then it's a risk if you have long finned fish.If you want to do guppies I'd avoid tiger barbs and angels if possible. Apistos would probably be ok as they will not dwell in the same area but nippy fish like barbs and some angels will nip the tails of the guppies.

Well, that answers all my questions. Definitely gives me lots to think about. I'll have to do a line up of all the players, and start picking and choosing who I can't live without. Than I'll have to eliminate who doesn't play well with the stars. This is exciting and fun. But, VERY FRUSTRATING too. Thank you, everyone, for all your input tyguy7760, BluMan1914, Anders247, and Al913







Thanks to Oldsalt too

 

I just have to throw out there... I have a friend with a bearded dragon. She upgraded him to a six-foot tank recently so he would have enough room! Your lizard is going to outgrow a 55 more quickly than a 75 (obviously)... The 55 doesn't leave him as much room to turn around...

 

I just have to throw out there... I have a friend with a bearded dragon. She upgraded him to a six-foot tank recently so he would have enough room! Your lizard is going to outgrow a 55 more quickly than a 75 (obviously)... The 55 doesn't leave him as much room to turn around...

Yes, you are right. My husban convinced me that the tank I was going to move him to was too small. He said the guy I bought it from conned me. It isn't even a 55 gallon. He said to the very top, it's only 45. My beardie won't be growing anymore. He's nearing his 4th birthday. But, he's very comfortable in my 75.My husband said he's gonna buy me another 75 for my fish tank.[/IMG]






This is the picture I meant to post

 

Yes, you are right. My husban convinced me that the tank I was going to move him to was too small. He said the guy I bought it from conned me. It isn't even a 55 gallon. He said to the very top, it's only 45. My beardie won't be growing anymore. He's nearing his 4th birthday. But, he's very comfortable in my 75.My husband said he's gonna buy me another 75 for my fish tank.[/IMG]






This is the picture I meant to post

I think I have a decent idea about the fish I want to center my tank around. I absolutely LOVE the apistogramma borellii. Knowing that I have to have a fairly established tank before I can get them, are they compatible temp and otherwise with Bolivian rams or GBRs? I would like to build a community around them........

 

They should do pretty well with bolivians. I'm not sure the gbr have that much temp overlap with them

 

They should do pretty well with bolivians. I'm not sure the gbr have that much temp overlap with them

Well, that suits me perfectly. Thanks. Do you know if dwarf gourami or Guppy's are compatible with the bolivians and apistogramma? I'm thinking, if I don't get angels, I can mix with some smaller fish, like some smaller tertras too.

 

I would think the Guppies would be fine. Gourami would probably be fine but their attitudes are a little more variable. Maybe do something like a few pearl gouramis. They are bigger but pretty and peaceful

I can't remember what all you have in your stock

 

I would think the Guppies would be fine. Gourami would probably be fine but their attitudes are a little more variable. Maybe do something like a few pearl gouramis. They are bigger but pretty and peaceful

I can't remember what all you have in your stock

Pearl gouramis would work nicely. I think they are beautiful. And, they resemble angels somewhat. That makes it easier for me not being able to fit angels in the mix. I'm still trying to put together a potential list, considering everyone's suggestions. I've decided I actually do want some corycat. I'm thinking juliI or sterbai.

IMHO.....get a canister filter, much better than hang on back filters(hob's). You can find good ones for pretty cheap such as SunSun/Aquatop.
Go with sand. It is so much easier to keep clean. All of the debris sits on top of the sand and will not fall into gaps like it will with gravel (depending on size gravel), which makes it easier to see, and you are able to get all of the debris out of the tank.

I agree with the others about the Silver Dollars, they will eventually need a bigger tank.
How about this:
6 Apistogrammas:Cacatuoide, Agassizii, or Borelli. 2 females to 1 male, or all males. Make sure to have a lot of caves, hiding spots, and plants.
7-10 Pencil Fish.
10 Rummy Nose Tetras
10 Rasboras
5 Celebes Rainbows. Anders247, what do you think of this suggestion?

 

I have 2 small angels, 3 dwarf gourami, 8 neon tetras, 5 guppys, 2 yoyo loaches, 3 peppermint catfish, and a male betta and a black ghost knife in a 257 litre tank and they all get along perfectly I honestly think it's all depends on the fish I feed twice a day temp of 24-26C

 

I have 2 small angels, 3 dwarf gourami, 8 neon tetras, 5 guppys, 2 yoyo loaches, 3 peppermint catfish, and a male betta and a black ghost knife in a 257 litre tank and they all get along perfectly I honestly think it's all depends on the fish I feed twice a day temp of 24-26C

I have heard that. Sounds like you are one of the lucky ones. So, I get confused with the metric system. Do you know how many gallons 257 liters is? So.. Your dwarf gourami get along completely? I've heard they can be very aggressive to each other. How long have you had your tank?

 

I have 2 small angels, 3 dwarf gourami, 8 neon tetras, 5 guppys, 2 yoyo loaches, 3 peppermint catfish, and a male betta and a black ghost knife in a 257 litre tank and they all get along perfectly I honestly think it's all depends on the fish I feed twice a day temp of 24-26C

There are a lot of issues with compatibility with this stock. Fish to tank size, aggression, temperature incompatibility, numbers, etc. If you'd like some assistance from us, please let us know.

 

I have 2 small angels, 3 dwarf gourami, 8 neon tetras, 5 guppys, 2 yoyo loaches, 3 peppermint catfish, and a male betta and a black ghost knife in a 257 litre tank and they all get along perfectly I honestly think it's all depends on the fish I feed twice a day temp of 24-26C

Serious stocking issues!!!

 

I have heard that. Sounds like you are one of the lucky ones. So, I get confused with the metric system. Do you know how many gallons 257 liters is? So.. Your dwarf gourami get along completely? I've heard they can be very aggressive to each other. How long have you had your tank?

Apparently, it is 68 gallons.

There are a lot of issues with compatibility with this stock. Fish to tank size, aggression, temperature incompatibility, numbers, etc. If you'd like some assistance from us, please let us know.

Agreed.

 

My gourami have never fought they had a couple of days when they chased e/o but never bit and since then they've lived happily they haven't been in the big tank for very long I just upgraded from a 100L I think 26 gallons there is only one fish I had an issue with I was given a red tail black shark who got to aggressive towards the fish so he was re homed

 

The stocking Bluman gave have too many mid-dwelling fish. In a 75 gallon you still want to have 2 mid-dwelling schools with 3 stretching it.

Here's a possible stocking:
2x angels
4x pearl gourami
15x rummy nose tetras
8x boesmanI raibowfish
12x sterbaI corys

Temp:80F

Al913 I'm almost ready to get my 75 going. Just waiting for my husband to reinforce the stand. I've decided the fish I know for sure I want are angels, and the 5 juliI corys I currently have. Is the best temp 80 degrees? Do you know what the ideal temp is for the Cory's? I have them about 74 right now. I was told on here, that 74 degrees was ideal for them. I'm trying to come up with a community tank that is ideal for all fish involved. Do you know if Congo tetras would fit in the mix? Also, I want to do a gourami. Sunset or Pearl maybe?

 

Yes that is a good temp! If you want angels then you would need a different kind of cory since the highest julI are comfortable at are 77!

 

Bummer! I looove my juliis. Do you know if a 20 gallon is big enough for my juliis? I do have a 20 that I could set up as a second tank. I guess that would be more a cold water?