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I just wanted some of your opinions on my stocking suggestions so far on my to be 55. The only fish that is going to be a definate resident in the tank is my 5 clownloaches. I know that most people say that it is still too small but i will be getting a much larger tank down the road in a few years and if i dont i am sure that there is someone with a big tank that will be more than happy to take them in.Ok so heres what i want to put in -
5 clownloaches
10 zebra danioes(cyclers)
1 fancy dwarf gourami
4 bristlenoses
10 tetras*
*i am thinking of neons, phantoms, or serpae.
what sould the ratio of male bn's to female? Nothing is permanent because i am still searching for what i really want.

Wiht 5 Clown Loaches you can't really have anything else. It would OVER-load the BIO-load.

My only criticism on the clowns is to make sure the bigger tank comes within a year.
I like the rest of your stocking ideas, but can I suggest instead of one dwarf gourami, perhaps a male and female pair?
Serpaes, and Phantoms, are quite aggressive as tetras go. I think they would intimidate your gourami.
Perhaps you could consider a less aggressive tetra: Buenos Aires - which are also a larger tetra, but unaggressive as adults, Penguin Tetras - very interesting behaviour from a school of these, Black Neons - just darn pretty, Pristella Tetras - absolutely gorgeous, Glowlight tetras or Rummynose - best schoolers in the tetra family in my opinion.
For the BN plecs, I would assume the ratio would be either 1 male to 3 females, or 2 and 2.
I suggest putting a really good filter on that tank to prevent any problems, think a Fluval 304 or 404 would do ya. They are a great overall filter, and allow for lots of options for filter media.
Good luck with your stocking! Let me know what you decide on!!


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5 Clown Loaches in a 55gal. is more than enough, they are slow growers, but will grow in a few years time.



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4 bristlenoses is a lot!

I find the Buenos Aires Tetra to be one of the MORE aggressive tetras, and is a plant eater, to boot, so I would not recommend those. As for the BNs, I'd add 1 after the tank is set up, and you have some algae and driftwood in there, but don't add more until the Clowns are moved.

Agree with everyone how big are the clown i would take them back and get some more when you get your biggert tank!

Or you can just go with the Clown Loaches only and upgrade in a few years down the line. I have heard that they're really slow growers.