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I am somewhat starting over in my 55 gallon aquarium. Here is what is definately going to be in the tank:

1 x Marble Angelfish
3 x Ottos

I need some help coming up with tankmates. I am not real sure what to put in the tank. I would like to get some Ghost Shrimp though. I just need some ideas with tankmates. Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!!!

Maybe some cories or loaches for the bottom?

What other fish interest you...livebearers, school of some sort of tetra or barb, anything in particular?

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There is water at the bottom of the ocean

Well, I would like to have 2 big (10+) schools of fish. I was thinking maybe neon tetras (14+) and cherry barbs (8). I know what everyone says about Angelfish and Neons but right now I do have 3 neons with the Angelfish and he doesn't bother them at all. Also as a bottom feeder I think I might go with some Khuli loaches but I am not sure how many. Maybe if I can shop around and find some interesting cories I might get some of those instead. All I really have access to are Bronze cories and they are a little boring for me. If anyone has a comment/suggestion for me they would be appreciated, Thanks!!!!!!!

[font color="#000080"]Hmmm......
Angelfish, how lovely.......how lonely
Get him or her some mates of its own kind.
4 Angelfish in total will be nice in a 55G

Ottos too, need to be in a school.
You have 3 ATM, i suggest you get 3 more.

and probably a school of rasboras, they are lovely in a school

everyone says about Angelfish and Neons but right now I do have 3 neons with the Angelfish and he doesn't bother them at all.

when the angels get larger, you'll have to watch out

I am of the Opinion that one or two Angelfish is plenty for a tank that sized. Better to have just one or two, than run the risk of a breeding pair forming and having mayhem.

I would get another 3 more Ottos to go with the 3 you're planning on. 6 would make a good number.

I am afraid the Angelfish will love you if you put Ghost Shrimp in the tank, be a quick snack..

Ever considered Rainbowfish? They are great fish. Peaceful, colourful and active.

Also maybe a Killifish would go good? I have a Blue Panchax in my 53 gallon community tank, and it is going great.

-- Gomer

Thank you everyone for your suggestions! Gomer, I don't have access to Rainbowfish or Killifish where I live. Also about my Angelfish, when I bought it it was only about 1.5" long. Now, about 5 - 6 months later it is not much over 2", 2.5" at the most! How long does it normally take to get an Angelfish full size? About the ottos, I was afraid of getting more than 3 because the algae doesn't grow very fast in my aquarium. Do they eat something else like cucumbers? If so, I'll get 6 or 8 and i'll feed them cucumbers or something when they run out of algae. Thanks again!!

Aquaman, they may eat veggies, but i would definately try the three you have a present on some. Also Hikari Algae Wafers are great. But keep in mind Ottos can be fussy eaters, and may not even look at the veggies or any type of algae wafer. When i owned Ottos, they would not even eat algae much, they just liked to starve themselves and die. But this was because the tank was too active, and they were scared.

I would definately suggest getting a moderately sized school of Corydoras. If i was in your shoes, i would get one species only, and 8 of them. They will love you for it, and i am sure you will love them.

I would also really recommend Rummynose Tetras. They are the most fantastic schoolers. If you own a good sized school of 6+ they are brilliant to watch.

I would stock up on that Neon school. Angelfish in the wild will prey on small Tetras like Neons, but only Mature Angelfish will be a treat, usually. I would not worry about your Angel eating your Neons, and besides if it happens it happens. It is too small at the moment to swallow them whole anyways. Angelfish have relatively small mouths to begin with also.

Harlequin Rasbora's are beautiful fish also. If they fancy your eye, get them.

My advice is look around, and look up fish you like on the internet. Buy what you like, it is your tank.

Goodluck.

-- Gomer

I'd say you're safe with three to four angels, especially with a 55 gal. Also, I'd say you have sufficient room to add, oh say, about 5-6 more ottos, a couple of apistos (rams or otherwise), and a school of tetras--cardinals are absolutely stunning.

here is your new tank


2 koi angels

2 rams (german or bolovian)

6 corries

10 emperor tetra's

this is what i may be setting up myself, if i can find emperor's that look nice enough.


chris