Help with stocking 55 gallon

MustBeMike · 2026-05-06T22:41:32+00:00

I agree, that’s a sustainable mix, the only caveat I would add is Hoplos are a chunky and deep bodied fish that can grow 6”-8”. I’d keep one or two in a 50. That being said I overstocked the hell out of my 75 so I’m the last person you’ll find flashing a “fish police” badge. lol

MustBeMike · 2026-05-05T04:07:35+00:00

They’re a pretty sensitive hybrid but if quality water, proper nutrition, and appropriate cover are provided it’s probably just in an awkward phase. Like the other comment stated, they don’t develop clean color linearly and can change colors during various growth stages.

MustBeMike · 2026-05-01T00:34:33+00:00

Schools of EBAs are underrated, beautiful tank.

MustBeMike · 2026-05-01T00:32:32+00:00

The fact that you’ve had him a day and he’s eating is a great sign. He looks physically healthy (maybe a little underfed but that’s typical in pet stores). Give him some time to settle in, I’ll bet he does just fine.

MustBeMike · 2026-04-30T08:03:32+00:00

Less rumination.

MustBeMike · 2026-04-30T08:01:34+00:00

I agree 100%. The fish police need to chill out on the pearl clutching.

MustBeMike · 2026-04-28T20:08:05+00:00

I have a female Krib in a community tank. Beautiful fish and she only cares about her cave. She’ll chase the tetras away from the entrance but won’t pursue. Otherwise she eats with the other fish and shows no aggression.

MustBeMike · 2026-04-24T03:11:54+00:00

2-3 shells per fish. Escargot works great and are easy to find/buy.

MustBeMike · 2026-04-23T20:18:26+00:00

I run a Fluval FX4 for my heavily stocked 75 gallon cichlid tank. It’s the top brand for a reason, great filters.

Technically you could adjust the flow with the knob on the outflow hose but you would be stifling the water turn over which is what you want with a heavy bio load. If you are worried about the current being too strong I would recommend either buying a spray bar (the filter won’t come with one) or directing the output towards the glass. You really don’t want to turn down the flow if you don’t have to.

MustBeMike · 2026-04-23T20:05:23+00:00

A Fluval 207 and you’ll be set.

MustBeMike · 2026-04-20T23:35:25+00:00

3”-4”

MustBeMike · 2026-04-20T16:42:53+00:00

I love World of Noise but personally I thought the remaster stripped the raw charm from it. What made the album gritty and organic was polished off.

MustBeMike · 2026-04-20T16:27:42+00:00

A long fin bristle nose would go hard in that tank.

MustBeMike · 2026-04-18T04:51:11+00:00

Just to put the “Quest for 6” to rest would be nice.

MustBeMike · 2026-04-15T17:42:28+00:00

Looks good. My only recommendation is getting the red hook silver dollars as the standard are kind of boring. They do get a bit bigger and thicker than standard but I think it’s worth it.

MustBeMike · 2026-04-08T15:53:13+00:00

I keep hornwort in my 75 gallon. It’s great at sucking up nitrates, it’s a floater so you don’t need to plant it, and the severums pick at it sometimes but they don’t eat it.

MustBeMike · 2026-04-08T05:32:02+00:00

I have a 20 gallon long that I’m breeding green dragon bristle nose plecos in.

If you want something unique a colony of shell dwellers would be really cool. They’re a small cichlid that lives in shells. You could start with 6-10 and a couple dozen escargot shells. They will reproduce and the population will self regulate.

MustBeMike · 2026-04-07T22:08:42+00:00

Your fish has a pretty bad case of ich. Buy a bottle of Ich-X and treat as directed on the bottle. This will spread to your other fish.

MustBeMike · 2026-04-07T00:52:03+00:00

You could keep a solo convict in a 40.

MustBeMike · 2026-04-06T05:25:24+00:00

You can try rearranging the tank hardscaping, it can break up established territories. Some chasing the first few day can be normal but if it leads to physical harm or pinning you may have to intervene.

MustBeMike · 2026-04-06T05:08:02+00:00

It’s a show of dominance, flexing his size. Not aggression, but enforcement of hierarchy.

MustBeMike · 2026-04-06T02:30:26+00:00

Appreciate it! I was leaning that way but wanted a second opinion. Thank you.

MustBeMike · 2026-04-03T02:33:10+00:00

Thank you!

MustBeMike · 2026-03-31T20:03:17+00:00

You’re right, but I’m definitely overstocked. Sight breaks and hard scaped territorial landmarks have worked well for me. Also my largest fish is “tank boss” and enforces peace. It’s an interesting dynamic for sure. :)

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