Stocking a 55G

[sountfc]

I have a co-worker who is relatively inexperienced. He recently acquired a 55G tank, and has had some struggles with it in terms of what to keep. I gave him some recommendations, but he what a consider to be a more advanced route, with predictably poor results. In my opinion, he's gotten some pretty poor advice from a LFS that I won't mention: an oscar, a red terror, a demasoni (African!), etc. The red terror killed multiple of its tank mates, which didn't surprise me. So, I told him to start over. My recommendation was to perhaps try some angels or rams, then complement those with perhaps a couple of schools of tetras, a cory or two or perhaps a couple of loaches, and a pleco. I stick with Africans (haps and peacocks), so I may not be the best person to be dispensing advice.

Having said all that, I'd be curious to see what others would recommend he stock the tank with.

[PhishPhreek]

2 oscars, a pleco & feeders

[mark razmandi]

if he can care for them properly...GEOSSSS

[nikkijean1]

i agree with you on the angels, loaches, stuff like that, we had a 55 with the zebra angels and a few small fish for color, it was an easy tank and people always liked it when they came over

[sountfc]

I hear you! I used to keep those years ago, and they're awesome fish. However, I don't think they're a good fit for him. I've been helping him and encouraging him to do some reading and educate himself, but I'm not confident that's a good starting place for him. In a year or two I think he'll be ready for something along those lines.

if he can care for them properly...GEOSSSS

[Tall Len]

2 oscars, a pleco & feeders

Isn't that a little too overloaded for a 55g?!?
Especially for someone starting out that isn't going to do real regular water changes?

[jcwright87]

I wouldn't put 2 oscars in anything smaller than a 75 gallon. They are too messy, and not recommended for the beginner that is just learning about filtration and water changes.