First ever tank - freshwater beginner

The Tiger Barbs will nip the Anglefishes' fins

 

The Tiger Barbs will nip the Anglefishes' fins

Any barbs that wont? Angelfish are almost a must for me. Beautiful fish, especially the Goldveil.

 

Siamese Algae Eaters may be hard to get unless you're willing to order online or from a small LFS. They're commonly confused with Flying Foxes and Chinese Algae Eaters. I think a better option would be the cories.

 

Siamese Algae Eaters may be hard to get unless you're willing to order online or from a small LFS. They're commonly confused with Flying Foxes and Chinese Algae Eaters. I think a better option would be the cories.

What cories would you reccomend? And how many?

Edit: how about 4-8 false juliI catfish?

 

Bronze/albino (they're the same subspecies, just color variations), sterbai, emerald (although they can get larger than other cories, so not recommended)

At least 6, and they prefer to be with their own subspecies.

Also, about the barbs -- all barbs will nip the angelfish, you should probably just take them out.

EDIT:
Oh, and the dojo loach will do better in larger groups, only having one will stress it out. Take that out as well, as well as the pleco if you want the cories.

how about 4-8 false juliI catfish?

I think they prefer cooler temps, not sure.

 

Bronze/albino (they're the same subspecies, just color variations), sterbai, emerald (although they can get larger than other cories, so not recommended)

At least 6, and they prefer to be with their own subspecies.

Also, about the barbs -- all barbs will nip the angelfish, you should probably just take them out.

EDIT:
Oh, and the dojo loach will do better in larger groups, only having one will stress it out. Take that out as well.

Oh the Barbs were so cool Okay, id rather the Angelfish in the long run.

And I would do 8 - how about false julii?

And what do you mean their own subspecies?

Edit: what about two dojo? If a no go (lol), then please recommend another fish I can get one of. Standout fish in a way.

 

Oh the Barbs were so cool Okay, id rather the Angelfish in the long run.

And I would do 8 - how about false julii?

And what do you mean their own subspecies?

Falso juliI are not compatible temp-wise with angels.

 

Falso juliI are not compatible temp-wise with angels.

Alrighty, Id probably prefer the Serbai. Pricey?

 

Oh the Barbs were so cool Okay, id rather the Angelfish in the long run.

And I would do 8 - how about false julii?

And what do you mean their own subspecies?

Edit: what about two dojo? If a no go (lol), then please recommend another fish I can get one of. Standout fish in a way.

There are many little 'subspecies' of corydoras catfish, such as sterbai, panda, pygmy, emerald, albino/bronze, julii, false julii, peppered, etc. They prefer to be with cories of their own kind. As an example, say, a group of 6 sterbaI cories would be better than 3 sterbaI and 3 albino.

I'd say no about the dojos. You're really pretty stocked already if you do:
-2 angels
-8 danios
-8 harlequin rasboras
-8 cories

I know it may seem like only a few fish, but as a beginner it's better to leave room for mistake. An understocked tank will be more forgiving than an overstocked tank.

By the way, have you started cycling yet?

Alrighty, Id probably prefer the Serbai. Pricey?

They're much more expensive than other cories, but the coloration is adorable

 

There are many little 'subspecies' of corydoras catfish, such as sterbai, panda, pygmy, emerald, albino/bronze, julii, false julii, peppered, etc. They prefer to be with cories of their own kind. As an example, say, a group of 6 sterbaI cories would be better than 3 sterbaI and 3 albino.

I'd say no about the dojos. You're really pretty stocked already if you do:
-2 angels
-8 danios
-8 harlequin rasboras
-8 cories

I know it may seem like only a few fish, but as a beginner it's better to leave room for mistake. An understocked tank will be more forgiving than an overstocked tank.

By the way, have you started cycling yet?

They're much more expensive than other cories, but the coloration is adorable

My understanding was these are individual species, not subspecies. They just haven't all been described yet.

And danios aren't compatible temp-wise with angels. There are lots of other tetras and rasboras that would work though.

 

My understanding was these are individual species, not subspecies. They just haven't all been described yet.

Oh yeah, my mistake. I was thinking that corydoras was a species, not a genus.

 

There are many little 'subspecies' of corydoras catfish, such as sterbai, panda, pygmy, emerald, albino/bronze, julii, false julii, peppered, etc. They prefer to be with cories of their own kind. As an example, say, a group of 6 sterbaI cories would be better than 3 sterbaI and 3 albino.

I'd say no about the dojos. You're really pretty stocked already if you do:
-2 angels
-8 danios
-8 harlequin rasboras
-8 cories

I know it may seem like only a few fish, but as a beginner it's better to leave room for mistake. An understocked tank will be more forgiving than an overstocked tank.

By the way, have you started cycling yet?



They're much more expensive than other cories, but the coloration is adorable

No tank yet - these are plans for future purchases. Waiting for the holiday season to passby, using myloney towards that. Perhaps I purchase the tank before New Years andthen begin cycling.

How does this look:

8 Rasboras
8 Cory Catfish (thinking Albino)
8 Tetras (do these work/specific types)
2 Gold Veil Angelfish
1 Pleco

I think that's a fabulous start. Still wanting any reccomendations as for colors, types, etc. as there are so many I could look for days! (And I will)

 

No tank yet - these are plans for future purchases. Waiting for the holiday season to passby, using myloney towards that. Perhaps I purchase the tank before New Years andthen begin cycling.

How does this look:

8 Rasboras
8 Cory Catfish (thinking Albino)
8 Tetras (do these work/specific types)
2 Gold Veil Angelfish
1 Pleco

I think that's a fabulous start. Still wanting any reccomendations as for colors, types, etc. as there are so many I could look for days! (And I will)

What kind of pleco and what kind of tetra? I think this would work depending on pleco and tetra species.

 

What kind of pleco?

 

What kind of pleco and what kind of tetra? I think this would work depending on pleco and tetra species.

What kind of pleco?

That's where Id like help! I'm looking online, but share any ideas! I'm very open. If its compatible and works, Ill check the color and go from there.

 

That's where Id like help! I'm looking online, but share any ideas! I'm very open. If its compatible and works, Ill check the color and go from there.

You could do a BN pleco (a few color options there - red, chocolate, yellow, albino), a rubberlip, or a pitpull? There are many other that would work too. AI'm for one under 6 inches.

For tetras, you have lots of options. What colors do you like? large or small?

 

What kind of pleco and what kind of tetra? I think this would work depending on pleco and tetra species.

What kind of pleco?

You could do a BN pleco (a few color options there - red, chocolate, yellow, albino), a rubberlip, or a pitpull? There are many other that would work too. AI'm for one under 6 inches.

For tetras, you have lots of options. What colors do you like? large or small?

Looking up those Plecos now, and others. Ill get back to that with a final list of exact fish!

Tetras, how big can they get? I will have a 55 gallon, so I do have the space for this amount of fish (right?). Anything between 3-5 inches is ideal. And will they harass the Angelfish?

 

A similar question about tetras.

 

8 X-Ray Tetra
8 Scissortail Rasboras (bigger than the Harlequin)
8 Albino Cory Catfish
2 Goldveil Angelfish
1 Rio-Negro Pleco
1 Red Parrot ????

I would like ideas for a single fish, different than the rest but doesn't need friends of the same type. Another Angelfish per say, but not 2. And if it can be the color red, that would be perfect!

Thoughts on compatibility, needs, etc.?

Edit: friend turned me on to a Red Parrot fish - would be my biggest fish, is peaceful without other cichlids... Looks like a nice fit, and its got red!!

 

One gourami or krib

 

8 X-Ray Tetra
8 Scissortail Rasboras (bigger than the Harlequin)
8 Albino Cory Catfish
2 Goldveil Angelfish
1 Rio-Negro Pleco
1 Red Parrot ????

I would like ideas for a single fish, different than the rest but doesn't need friends of the same type. Another Angelfish per say, but not 2. And if it can be the color red, that would be perfect!

Thoughts on compatibility, needs, etc.?

Edit: friend turned me on to a Red Parrot fish - would be my biggest fish, is peaceful without other cichlids... Looks like a nice fit, and its got red!!

I think you should only do one Angel, pairs are a lot more expensive, and if they breed they will become very aggressive (I think Angels are aggressive breeders right?).

Only one angel would definitely allow for a Blood Parrot in my opinion! You could also up your schools, as none of your schooling fish produce much waste, and a bigger school always looks better!

 

I think you should only do one Angel, pairs are a lot more expensive, and if they breed they will become very aggressive (I think Angels are aggressive breeders right?).

Only one angel would definitely allow for a Blood Parrot in my opinion! You could also up your schools, as none of your schooling fish produce much waste, and a bigger school always looks better!

I can get behind this motion - makes sense to me, and as long as I have the one Goldveil... Guess ill go female Red Parrot and Goldveil. Maybe schools of 10-12?

 

Forgive me for playing devil's advocate here, but I don't think turtles have been given a fair chance in the thread so far. Of course if you're asking on a fish forum, you're likely to get answers biased towards fish! I'd just like to say that I have raised turtles for years and here's what I have to say on the matter:

1) Turtles are less messy than goldfish! All you need is adequate tank size and filtration. Of course they require the same care you would give fish, which means partial water changes roughly once a week, replacing the carbon roughly once a month, and not overfeeding. They don't even mind a bare bottom tank, which makes cleanup a breeze. You can even take them out of the tank and place them in shallow water to feed, which keeps your tank water perfectly clean.

2) 55 gal is too small for most turtle species. Some grow to be as big as dinner plates. I've raised a male southern painted in a 55 before and it was plenty of room for him even at adult size. You should definitely not have two turtles in a 55, they might eat each other's limbs.

3) You CAN keep turtles with a community, but there is a knack to it. First, you need to make sure that all of your fish are livebearers, so that your turtle can eat a fish now and then and new fish will come and replace them. Second, it helps if you have snails. Turtles eat them, but the snails multiply like crazy, so it evens out. Third, you need to have a separate tank to serve as a fish / snail nursery. I used this approach and it worked well for me for 5 years.

If you do decide to go this route, feel free to message me with questions.

 

Forgive me for playing devil's advocate here, but I don't think turtles have been given a fair chance in the thread so far. Of course if you're asking on a fish forum, you're likely to get answers biased towards fish! I'd just like to say that I have raised turtles for years and here's what I have to say on the matter:

1) Turtles are less messy than goldfish! All you need is adequate tank size and filtration. Of course they require the same care you would give fish, which means partial water changes roughly once a week, replacing the carbon roughly once a month, and not overfeeding. They don't even mind a bare bottom tank, which makes cleanup a breeze. You can even take them out of the tank and place them in shallow water to feed, which keeps your tank water perfectly clean.

2) 55 gal is too small for most turtle species. Some grow to be as big as dinner plates. I've raised a male southern painted in a 55 before and it was plenty of room for him even at adult size. You should definitely not have two turtles in a 55, they might eat each other's limbs.

3) You CAN keep turtles with a community, but there is a knack to it. First, you need to make sure that all of your fish are livebearers, so that your turtle can eat a fish now and then and new fish will come and replace them. Second, it helps if you have snails. Turtles eat them, but the snails multiply like crazy, so it evens out. Third, you need to have a separate tank to serve as a fish / snail nursery. I used this approach and it worked well for me for 5 years.

If you do decide to go this route, feel free to message me with questions.

It's certainly possible to have a turtle -- but -- the OP wanted schooling fish and never mentioned goldfish or livebearers, and only has a 55gal. That's why a turtle wasn't a reasonable option.

I can get behind this motion - makes sense to me, and as long as I have the one Goldveil... Guess ill go female Red Parrot and Goldveil. Maybe schools of 10-12?

You seem to be attached to your angels, why don't you do 2goldveil and a different type of angel as your centerpiece, like a tiger?

An adult blood parrot might nip the angels or vice versa. Your best bet would be to get young specimens of both.

 

I think you should only do one Angel, pairs are a lot more expensive, and if they breed they will become very aggressive (I think Angels are aggressive breeders right?).

Only one angel would definitely allow for a Blood Parrot in my opinion! You could also up your schools, as none of your schooling fish produce much waste, and a bigger school always looks better!

You don't have to buy a pair of angels already paired - I bought angels that were unpaired and they paired up for me. Not expensive at all.

Angels can be aggressive breeders, but my pair was only aggressive to other angels. They weren't aggressive to other fish in my tank.

You seem to be attached to your angels, why don't you do 2goldveil and a different type of angel as your centerpiece, like a tiger?

I wouldn't do three angels - that's asking for trouble. Two will gang up on one. I tried four and two paired and picked on the other two.

If you want a pair, I'd get 5-6 juvenile angels, let them pair up naturally, and rehome all but the one pair.

 

It's certainly possible to have a turtle -- but -- the OP wanted schooling fish and never mentioned goldfish or livebearers, and only has a 55gal. That's why a turtle wasn't a reasonable option.



You seem to be attached to your angels, why don't you do 2goldveil and a different type of angel as your centerpiece, like a tiger?

An adult blood parrot might nip the angels or vice versa. Your best bet would be to get young specimens of both.

What makes you think an adult Parrot would nip the Angel? I'm curious so I can learn. Wouldnt the adult Angel defend itself? The Parrot is a peaceful cichlid and my research states it only gets aggressive with other cichlids.

Unless nipping isn't an aggressive behavior?

 

No matter whether they're labeled as peaceful or not, they're still cichlids, and some angels can get aggressive as well. IMO it's not worth the risk, especially if they won't be raised together from youth.

 

What makes you think an adult Parrot would nip the Angel? I'm curious so I can learn. Wouldnt the adult Angel defend itself? The Parrot is a peaceful cichlid and my research states it only gets aggressive with other cichlids.

Unless nipping isn't an aggressive behavior?

Angels are cichlids

 

Angels are cichlids

Ahh. I understand now.

Guess its just two Angels then!

Thoughts on pricing, feeding, compatibility of this list of fish for my community 55g:

8 X-Ray Tetra
8 Scissortail Rasboras
8 Albino Cory Catfish
2 Goldveil Angelfish
1 Rio-Negro Pleco

Still would like one more stand alone fish, but not the end of the world by any means if I go with the current list!

 

Most plecos add a lot to the bioload. I've never heard of that particular variety, but unless you really want him I'd take out the pleco.

Cycling the tank and gradually adding fish will take a process of a few months, so I'd say go with this list for now and you can always add another fish later it looks like a pretty impressive display already.

 

Scissortail Rasboras need cooler water...

 

Scissortail Rasboras need cooler water...

It seems to be fine - temp water of 75 seems to pass for all the fish listed, no?

 

Angels prefer ~80 degrees.

 

Imo, I'm scissortails are not suitable tankmates

 

Agree, scissortails need cooler water. Angels should be kept in 78 F minimum.

What about Congo tetras instead?

I think that pleco would be fine. You're pretty lightly stocked otherwise, so you have room bioload-wise for it.