Help/Opinions with a new 55gal tank

Hello,
After keeping several fish and inverts in a few very small tanks I am preparing to get my first larger tank started. It will be a 55gal tank that is 48" long. I plan on using small/medium gravel as the substrate.
I could use some help ensuring that all the fish will work together as well as need some info on filtration and such.
First, here are the water parameters of my pure tap water:
Nitrate, nitrite, Chlorine, ammonia = all 0
Hardness = 300
Alkaline/kH = 300
pH = 8.4

Now for the fish that I am considering:
15-20 Cardinal tetra
5 Rasbora
2 Bolivian Ram
a few Cories, maybe a couple of banjo catfish

I am also interested in adding a couple of rainbowfish, not sure which type yet. But I have been told by someone that rainbowfish need to be in groups of at least 6?

Anyway, can anyone verify this setup or let me know if the rainbowfish would work in a group of 2-3? Any other fish suggestions to add to this group? Also I do not know anything about filters for tanks this size, can anyone direct me to some filter options? Thanks!

 

What species of rasbora? A group of 6+ would be best. Cories need to be in groups of 6+ of their own species, and rainbowfish should be too.

2 mid/top dwelling schools is recommended for a 55 gal - what about replacing the rasbora with rainbowfish?

What about something like this?
10-15x Cardinal tetra
8-12x Dwarf neon rainbowfish
2-4x Banjo catfish
6-8x Cories (one species)

 

That sounds good. Are the dwarf neon rainbows the ones that are silver with red tipped fins?
If I go with 6-8 of those do you think I can still have the 2 Bolivian rams?
And what would you recommend for filtration?

 

Google them for a pic
Yes, I think you can still have two Bolivian Rams.

Do you want a canister or hang on back filter?

 

Dwarf rainbows are really pretty. THey are silver with the females having yellowish fins and the males having red fins. A good ratio is 1 male for every 2-3 females or you can also do all males.

Agreed with TexasDomer you should still have room for a pair of dwarf cichlids like bolivian rams.

 

OK...and my water parameters are good for these fish as it is?
For the filtration I have no clue what is the difference/benefits of hanging or canister, besides obviously the form/location?
Also what would be good type of lighting for this setup to maximize the colors of these fish?

 

I just put a finnex stingray light on my 75 gallon and am very happy with it (thanks to TexasDomer for the recommendation)

Your pH and water levels should be fine. Are you sure you are cycled though with 0 nitrates?

As far as canister vs HOB, both have their benefits but IMO the canister benefits outweigh the cons. Canister's are usually quieter and more aesthetically appealing as you can hide them underneath in a stand. They also provide a lot more room for bio filtration as well as chemical and mechanical filtration. They also require less maintenance generally than HOB's. However, HOB's are much easier to maintain as canisters are heavy and messier to clean. HOB's also keep your tank water oxygenated with the waterfall effect. You can point your canister's output/spray bar towards the surface to also oxygenate the water.

I may be missing some things so others may have things to add.

 

Its not cycled. This is just pure tap water out of my faucet. I have not started to cycle yet.