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I just picked up several tanks, 2 of which are 55 gallon.

I want to set up at least 1 of the tanks in my office where I spend much more time at than I do anywhere and will be set up where I see it from my desk.

My plans are to plant it heavily, utilize some nice pieces of driftwood and I may even attempt my hand at making a nice background out of styrofoam much as Dr. Bonke did.

I do know that I plan on at least 10-12 panda cory's. As they seem to have infatuated everybody with their antics and I need all the laughs I can get at the office

I plan on several oto's (number suggestions for this tank would be appreciated).

I would like several schools of a variety of tetras and then some type of center piece fish or fishes. Blue Rams?, Angels?, Gourami's.

As I would like to cover all levels of the tank I'm also thinking of some hatchet fish or other top dwelling species.

Suggestions as to the combo's I could incorporate along with species & numbers would be appreciated.

Thanks for your thoughts and inputs.


Jim

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Water, taken in moderation, cannot hurt anybody. -- Mark Twain

I would like several schools of a variety of tetras and then some type of center piece fish or fishes. Blue Rams?, Angels?, Gourami's.

Centerpiece fish: Trio of Congo Tetras

12 Panda Cories

5 or 6 otos

16 cardinal tetras

buncha von rio tetras.

2 pearl gouramies of 3 dwarves

10 rummynose
15 cardinals
5 otos
10 cories


persoanlly id do 4 blue rams
10 cardinals
6 rummys
6 black phantoms
6 golds
1 african butterfly fish
6 kuhlies
but thats jsut me

Angels would be nice in a 55g. They're mostly in the top-area of the tank but do wander

Maybe two schools of some sort? I really like Congos but some people say they can be nippy so I don't know how they'd work with angels. As far as tetras rummynoses or diamonds would also get my vote.

A favorite of mine are harlequin rasboras. Good color, peaceful and IMO one of the best schoolers. You could also check into some of the peaceful barbs: belted, cherries, golds, etc.

10-12 pandas will definitely put some activity in the tank Some people find them sensitive...really any cory in a group that large will be entertaining. I'm quite a fan of loaches. I wouldn't suggest kuhliis though if this is a tank you're looking to see daytime activity in. Yoyos are fun and unlike other loaches they're active in parts of the water column other than the bottom. They're also good for snail control.

If you decide on otos and have never kept them some good advice is to read this oto article. I do like them but would worry that because of their size they wouldn't be seen much in a heavily planted tank. Are plecs an option for you?



Last edited by Theresa_M at 08-Apr-2005 22:21

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There is water at the bottom of the ocean

Angels as centrepiece & 2 big schools, one with Tetra's & one Corydoras.


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I like the idea of Congo's, but have heard that they can be a bit aggressive. Would only 3 be enough or would a larger school of them be better? I would even consider possibly making this a semi-species tank with a large school of congo's and then a large school of cory's. The panda's are good, but I've kept several other species in the past and wouldn't hesitate to change. What do you all think?


Jim

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Water, taken in moderation, cannot hurt anybody. -- Mark Twain

I would go with:

2 lace gouramis or 3 dwarf gouramis - centrepiece.
8 hatchet fish - top, they like to be in big groups.
8 smallish tetras - middle, I would go with cardinals, lemons or rummy nose for colour and activity.
8 tetras or smallish barbs - middle, more colour and activity.
10 panda corydoras - bottom, very active and cute.
6 otos - bottom, cute and they will take care of your algae.

If you get hatchets, make sure you have a tight fitting lid, as they like to use their pectoral fins as wings!

Good Luck choosing and remember to have fun!!!!!!/:'