55 Gallon Fish Tank: Size, Setup Ideas, Stocking Ideas And More! - Keep Aquarium (2023)

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55 Gallon Fish Tank: Size, Setup Ideas, Stocking Ideas And More! - Keep Aquarium (1)
Not too small, not too big, 55-gallon is a standard size aquarium. The 4-feet length of the tank makes it an ideal choice for individuals wanting a larger viewing panel.

For people new to fishkeeping or with little experience, setting up a 55-gallon aquarium may seem a daunting task. Deciding on the right equipment and stocking options can be overwhelming. If you are feeling clueless or wondering how to get the best out of your 55-gallon fish tank – you have come to the right place to know that.

The following article is an effort toward helping new hobbyists set up their first 55-gallon aquarium. Even if you are a seasoned aquarist looking for creative insights for improving your tank setup, we bet you will find it here.

55 Gallon Aquariums – A Brief Overview

Dimension

Aquariums marked as 55-gallon are generally 48 inches long, 21 inches tall, and 12.5 inches wide.

Cost

For the best part, 55-gallon fish tanks are relatively inexpensive. You can get an entire starter kit for $150 consisting of a tank, light, heater, filter, and thermometer.

It’s perfectly suited for people not starting with a huge budget. Moreover, 55 is a standard size aquarium, making it easy to find equipment for.

Advantages

  • The aquarium’s 1.75-feet height and 4-feet length offer ample space for the fish to swim around and be all active as they want.
  • You can get flexible with the stocking options and have fish for different zones, such as bottom dwellers, mid-level fish, and upper-level fish.
  • The substantially larger viewing panel is a primary factor attracting many hobbyists to go for 55-gallon aquariums.

Disadvantages

  • The only notable con that might make you reconsider buying a 55-gallon tank is its width. It’s only 12 ½ inches wide, which is not a lot of space.
  • Due to the 21-inches height, you might face some difficulty when cleaning the tank or catching fish out of it.

Important Tips

  • As we know, it’s a 4-feet long aquarium; you may need two filters installed on each side for better water circulation. It’s not necessary, but it definitely helps to have two filters running simultaneously.
  • You will also need a dedicated stand for your 55-gallon aquarium. Since it’s a lot of water volume, weight of decoration, and gravel, it’s not wise to place it on any other piece of furniture

55 Gallon Fish Tank: Why Is Bigger Better?

55 Gallon Fish Tank: Size, Setup Ideas, Stocking Ideas And More! - Keep Aquarium (2)
Have you ever thought, why is it so that bigger aquariums are considered to be better than smaller ones? Apart from being an individualized preference, there are mainly two reasons:

  • Any fluctuations in the water chemistry have less impact when the water volume is greater. For instance, if a snail dies in a 55-gallon aquarium, the ammonia spike will not be notable compared to a 20-gallon tank.
  • Water changes for a larger aquarium certainly take more time and effort. However, chances are you will do them less often than doing water changes for smaller tanks.

It is apt to say: the bigger the tank, the more stable it is.

How to Choose Your Aquarium Type and Stocking Options?

With a dozen of aquarium setups and tons of fish species available to pet, the list for stocking ideas can be truly endless. It can make one easily overwhelmed, specifically if you are a beginner. But if you are here, let us make it easy for you.

Setting up an aquarium that is ideal for you comes down to answering one simple question: what is it you are trying to accomplish with your aquarium setup?

Chances are, you may not know to answer it. So to simplify the matter further, you have to think in terms of the attributes you want and balance them with the level of experience you possess.

Know Your Needs

What are you hoping for the aquarium to look like? Get your preference straight and clear. For instance, you may desire to keep bright and colorful fish. Decide whether you want a fish-only tank or a planted one.

Knowing the key attributes, you must have in your aquarium setup is one of the best ways to go about it.

What Is Your Experience?

Considering your experience level as a hobbyist is crucial. It is to ensure you only sign up for the job that is feasible for your experience.

(Video) TOP 5 BEST Aquarium Fish Ideas For Your 55 Gallon Aquarium

For example, if you are a beginner, you may not want to deal with fishes that are finicky eaters or hard to maintain. A wise decision would be to set up a low-maintenance fish tank with non-aggressive fish.

We take on the fishkeeping hobby to experience its beauty and have some fun along the way. You certainly don’t want to lose your sleep over maintaining a fish tank. We hope you got the point!

Pro tip: do not obsess over making a perfect choice; you can always upgrade your aquarium setup and re-do it when needed. If you are starting out, focus on enjoying and learning the basics. As you gain some experience, you will have more choices opened up.

6 Best Stocking Ideas for 55 Gallon Fish Tank – Freshwater

For this article, we will only focus on freshwater aquariums as they are beginner-friendly and easy to maintain. So if you are new to the hobby, the following aquarium setups are going to be most suitable.

Livebearer Tank

55 Gallon Fish Tank: Size, Setup Ideas, Stocking Ideas And More! - Keep Aquarium (3)
Livebearers are peaceful fish and create a great community aquarium. They come in a wide variety of colors, patterns, fins shapes, and lengths. The best thing about livebearers is that you can mix almost any of them.

Initially, you can start your livebearer community tank with Guppy, Swordtail, Platy, and Molly. They are easy to feed; you can give them commercially prepared fish food such as pellets, tablets, seaweed, and occasionally bloodworms and brine shrimp.

Livebearers give birth to live babies, so raising them in a planted tank helps sustain fry. Not only that, a tank full of live plants or even plastic/silk plants gives the aquarium nature’s vibes making the setup aesthetically pleasing.

Ideal Tank Conditions for Livebearers

These are fairly hardy fish tolerant to a wide variety of water parameters. Generally, livebearers do good in hard water.

  • Aim to keep pH levels between 7.0 to 8.4 and temperatures between 74° to 78° F.
  • Always maintain good filtration in your tank and perform at least 10% water change every week or 25% every two weeks.

African Cichlid Tank

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African cichlids are popular tropical fish known for their unique and remarkable behavior. This family has more than 1000 species that give you a wide range of options to choose from.

For the sake of this article, we will be strategically picking up species that are going to look good together in a color combination.

Stocking yellow lab cichlids with purple acei and red zebra can make a beautiful African cichlids tank. You can keep 6 of each for a 55-gallon aquarium. Get all fish of the same size and raise them together. Don’t introduce baby fish to the grown-ups in the tank, as they will be tortured and beaten down.

Also, when you add more fish to your tank, add at least 3-5 at a time. This will spread the aggression and make it easy for the new fishes to survive. Male members of this species are brightly colored, whereas females are of subdued hue. So keep an all-male tank unless you want to breed.

Ideal Tank Conditions for African Cichlids

  • Cichlids love a bit warmer conditions; temperatures ranging from 78-85 degrees are ideal.
  • They like harder water with pH levels between 8.0 to 8.5. You can raise your tank’s pH level by adding aragonite sand or crushed corals to the substrate.
  • African cichlids produce a lot of waste, so you might require over-filtration to keep the tank in optimal condition.

Barb Tank

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There are two ways to start a Barbs tank. You can set up a Tiger Barb community tank containing Glow ones, Green, Longfin, Albino, etc. Or you can mix different species such as Cherry Barbs, Tiger Barbs, Checker Barbs, Black Ruby Barbs, Gold Barbs, etc.

Keep in mind, Barbs are mildly aggressive, and therefore one must avoid stocking slow-moving fish with them. Barbs are active schooling fish so always keep them in a group of 6 to 10.

For feeding, use specialized flake food and live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and beef heart. To identify the gender: female members of barb species have more rounded bellies than males and are larger and heavier. Males are bright in color and usually seen with red noses developed during the spawning process.

(Video) Fish for 55 gallon Aquarium? Stocking Ideas?

Ideal Tank Conditions for Barbs

  • Barbs are tolerant to a wide range of water conditions. Mainly, they are fond of slightly acidic water, so aim to keep the pH at 6.5 and below 8.0
  • Water temperature isn’t crucial for barbs; however, it is advisable to keep it under 68°F to 82°F degrees.

Tetra Community Tank

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Tetras are among the most commonly kept fish as they are cheap and can be found in any local fish store. There is a whole range of Tetras you can choose from, and mix almost any species to create a classic community tank.

Some of the most recognizable and beginner-friendly tetras include red eye, black skirt, serpae, bloodfins, neons, black neons, glowlights, and lemon tetras. You can keep them in a group of 6 or more.

Since most tetra fishes are usually calm and peaceful, they easily get along with other similar-sized community fish. The compatible tankmates for Tetras include rasboras, small danios, friendly barbs, small-sized rainbowfish, and livebearers.

For tetras, always keep a secure lid over your aquarium to prevent them from jumping out of the tank. A moderately planted tank will be the most suitable for raising or breeding Tetra fish.

Ideal Tank Conditions For Tetras

Tetras are naturally habited to soft, acidic water. However, nowadays, they are being raised in water with relatively high pH and alkalinity.

  • In general, most Tetra fish do well when pH levels are maintained between 6.8 to 7.8
  • Keeping water temperatures within the range of 75° to 80° F promotes better results.

Rainbowfish Tank

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The colorful Rainbowfish are favorite among both beginner and advanced aquarists. Some of the common and readily available Rainbowfish include Boeseman’s, Crimson Spotted, Checkered, Lake Kutubu, Dwarf, Desert Rainbow Fish, etc.

However, when it comes to choosing particular species to stock, one must consider the tank’s size. Rainbowfish typically get 3½ to 4-inches long and require adequate space to swim.

For a 55-gallon tank, you can get Boesemani, the red ones. They can grow up to 4 inches long, so getting a group of 6 to 10 Boesemani Rainbowfish is going to be best suitable. As they are schooling fish, getting the best out of their behavior requires a group.

Rainbowfish do quite well in planted tanks. Moreover, if you want the fish color to pop out, go for a dark background and black substrate. Hobbyists planning to breed Rainbowfish, make sure to have more females than males in the tank or at least one female per male.

Ideal Tank Conditions For Rainbowfish

Rainbowfish mainly come from clean water streams and lakes; therefore, having optimal water quality is a necessity for them.

  • Rainbowfish like harder water; you can aim to keep the pH values between 7.4 to 7.6 and 8 being the max.
  • The temperature should be around 74 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • You must do at least 25% of water changes twice a week to promote thriving conditions in your tank.

Angelfish Tank

55 Gallon Fish Tank: Size, Setup Ideas, Stocking Ideas And More! - Keep Aquarium (8)
The long, gorgeous fins and distinctive colors scales make Angelfish one of the most desirable freshwater fish. There are quite a number of Angelfish species you can choose from based on color or ease of maintenance. Some popular varieties include silver Angelfish, Veil, Koi, Zebra, Marble, Albino, Leopard, and Platinum.

These fish are typically kept in planted aquariums, but you can also keep them in bare tanks or community tanks as per your preference. However, make sure you don’t keep small fish as Angelfish might eat them.

Good size cardinal tetra, lemon tetra, black neon tetra, and cherry barb may get along with them as tankmates. Angelfish have tall and pointed fins, so keep them away from fin nippers.

Ideal Tank Conditions For Angelfish

They are relatively hardy and can adapt to a wide range of water parameters.

  • The recommended pH values for an Angelfish tank range from 6.8 to 7.2
  • Water temperature must be under 78 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • For a 55-gallon aquarium, you can easily stock 5 to 6 juvenile angelfish.

How to Setup a 55 Gallon Fish Tank?

55 Gallon Fish Tank: Size, Setup Ideas, Stocking Ideas And More! - Keep Aquarium (9)
Setting up your first aquarium is a fun process. And if you are ready to get yourself involved in it, here we go:

(Video) Fun Stocking Ideas for Your Medium Sized Aquarium

Getting Started

  • The first step is to get your aquarium placed over a stand.
  • Next, wipe off the glass and make sure there are no dust particles in it
  • Now add substrate to the tank.

NOTE: Aquarium substrates are often pre-washed. However, to ensure no dust gets into your tank, you rinse it off a few times until the water runs clear.

  • After adding the substrate, place decoration items in your aquarium, whatever they might be.
  • Next, pour in the water and get the equipment installed.

Now we are over the second step.

Cycling the Aquarium

Cycling your aquarium is arguably the most crucial part of the process. It refers to introducing and building up the colonies of nitrifying bacteria in the water. It is the beneficial bacteria used to break the harmful ammonia (released in fish waste) into less toxic nitrate. This whole process is known as the nitrogen cycle.

There are two ways you can cycle your aquarium – cycling with fish or fishless cycling. The latter is often recommended and is typically a faster way to complete the nitrogen cycle. Here is how to do it:

NOTE: Before getting started, make sure your tank is already set up (water-filled, contains decoration and filter) and doesn’t have any fish in it yet.

  • First, seed your tank by adding supplies from an established aquarium. It helps increase the speed of bacterial growth in the water, reducing the overall cycling time. The common items include driftwood, gravel, decoration, and filter media.
  • Next, we have to increase the ammonia levels in the tank. You can use household ammonia, which doesn’t contain scents, colors, or other additives.
  • The aim is to bring the tank to 2-3 ppm so add enough ammonia until it reaches the stated levels. Make sure it doesn’t go past 5 ppm. You can use a liquid ammonia detector to test the levels.
  • You must keep the tank’s ammonia levels at 2-3 ppm throughout the 4-to-6-week cycle. For that, test ammonia levels daily or preferably twice a day, and as it starts to decrease, add more ammonia and bring it back to 2 ppm.
  • Typically, after two weeks, you will begin to see Nitrite levels spiking up – it’s a good sign.
  • Afterward, reduce ammonia to 1/4 the initial dose and continue the cycle until your detector reads 0 ppm of ammonia, 0 ppm of nitrite, and a nitrate reading.

This shows the completion of the nitrogen cycle, and now you can gradually start adding fish to the tank.

Must-Have Equipments For 55 Gallon Freshwater Aquarium

55 Gallon Fish Tank: Size, Setup Ideas, Stocking Ideas And More! - Keep Aquarium (10)
For a beginner, choosing the right equipment is not only an overwhelming task but also time-consuming. For the convenience of our readers, we have put into the time and done all the research required.

Following are some of the best equipment you will need for setting up your first 55-gallon aquarium.

Tetra 55 Gallon Aquarium Kit – Cheap Alternative

If you are low on budget, instead of buying equipment separately, go for an entire aquarium starter kit. Tetra has one of the best value for money 55-gallon aquarium kit that has everything you need to get started, except a tank stand and gravel.

Tetra 55 Gallon aquarium starter kit includes:

  • One 55 gallon tank
  • Tetra Whisper 60 filter
  • 200W heater
  • Two 24” Tetra hinged hood
  • Stick-on digital thermometer
  • EasyBalance Plus water conditioner
  • TetraMin tropical flakes
  • AquaSafe 6” fishnet
  • Two plant multipacks,
  • One boxwood plant.

This 55-gallon tank from Tetra has a sturdy and durable build. It has a hood that comes with integrated LED lighting. Alongside, you will find the installation and setup of the filter and heater effortlessly easy.

Tank Stand

55-gallon is a moderately bigger tank. And with all the weight of water, decoloration, gravel, and other equipment, it becomes heavier, thus requiring a solid foundation to be placed upon. A tank stand is a must-have essential for a 55-gallon aquarium.

After reviewing many different aquarium stands, we concluded that Aquatic Fundamentals Wood Aquarium Stand is probably the best out there to buy.

  • It comes in black color and is quite sturdy.
  • The stand has a sleek design that looks really attractive.
  • It has two front doors providing easy access and ample storage space to keep pumps, filters, and food.
  • The back of the stand has a large opening that enables you to conveniently route filter tubes and power cords.

The stand is fairly easy to assemble; it comes with hardware and screws included and will barely take you 30-40 minutes to do it yourself.

Aquarium Hood

There is a significant purpose to an aquarium hood or canopy. A secure lid prevents the fish from jumping outside the tank, reduces evaporation, and ensures no unwanted things enter the tank.

(Video) 55 Gallon Aquarium Pros and Cons: Should You Buy One?

There are different types of hoods with distinct designs available to buy. However, if you are setting up your first 55-gallon aquarium, Aqueon’s All Glass Aquarium Deluxe Hood can be a perfect choice.

  • It comes with an integrated fluorescent light consisting of three 15 Watt tubes that adequately illuminate a 55-gallon aquarium.
  • On the backside of the hood, you will find cutouts that can be utilized for a filter or skimmer.

NOTE: This stand from Aqueon comes as a two separate hood that requires the tank to have a divider in the middle.

Aquarium Filter

F filtersFilters are undeniable equipment for maintaining aquariums. When it comes to choosing one, there are a plethora of options to opt from. An ideal aquarium filter can be sorted based on the device’s functionality, inhabitant’s requirements, and budget.

If you ask for our top pick for a reliable and efficient filter, we will tell you to go with SeaChem Tidal 55. In the past few years, using different filters, Tidal 55 has come out as one of the top hang-on-back filters for a 55-gallon aquarium. It is easy to operate and provides high-quality water filtration.

  • The USP of SeaChem Tidal 55 lies in its surface skimming functionality.
  • It comes with a submersed pump location that enables the filter to be self-priming. One should always look for this feature specifically when buying a new aquarium filter.
  • Besides, Tidal 55 has a dual water intake, adjustable flow, maintenance monitor, and self-cleaning impeller.
  • Interestingly, it comes with a 3-year warranty that can be extended to 5 years by registering the product on the official SeaChem website.

Lighting System

Aquariums are naturally beautiful, and putting a light over them enhances the beauty and color even more. If you are looking for a light, look no further than the Hygger Aquarium LED Light.

Ideal for both fish-only and planted aquariums, Hygger LED light comes with 7 colors and 4 modes for novices to advanced players.

It’s has a full-spectrum white light you can use during the day and change it to blue at night. Other colors include dark blue, green, purple, cyan, yellow, and red. You can also change the brightness levels depending on your requirements.

  • It comes with extendable brackets to fit the light fixture perfectly in your tank.
  • The LCD display makes it easy to use and apply different settings.
  • It has waterproof grade IP68, so now you don’t have to worry about water splashing over the light.
  • The high-quality light beads make the Hygger Aquarium Programmable LED Light stands out.

Air Pump

Although air pumps aren’t really essential nowadays, having one certainly benefits an aquarium. As it keeps the water oxygenated and allows carbon dioxide to escape, promoting better health in fish.

There is truly an abundance of air pumps in the aquarium industry. However, Tetra Wisher is one of the air pumps that got our eye and proved to be the best and quietest out there.

All thanks to its patented dome shape integrated with suspended motor and internal sound baffling chambers.

Heater

If you plan to keep fish that have strict temperature requirements, you are going to need a heater, especially in winter. Sudden temperature drops are uncomfortable for fish and cause severe stress to them.

For a 55-gallon aquarium Marineland Aquarium Heater is a value for money deal.

  • It’s an easy-to-use device that comes with an electric thermostat.
  • The heater is made from shatter-resistant quartz glass that ensures safety for the inhabitants.
  • On top of that, it has an automatic safety shut-off and overheat protection features.

How to Maintain a 55 Gallon Aquarium Without Making a Huge Mess

55 Gallon Fish Tank: Size, Setup Ideas, Stocking Ideas And More! - Keep Aquarium (11)
For a newcomer, maintaining a 55-gallon tank may seem a daunting task. In reality, bigger tanks are relatively easier to care for and are more stable. Moreover, the same principles apply to it as with a 10-gallon.

Simply practice the following tips, and you’ll be able to make things easy and convenient for you.

  • Regularly monitoring water parameters is the key to healthy and happy aquariums. It includes levels of ammonia, nitrate, nitrites, and pH. You can easily test these parameters using a water testing kit. API Freshwater Master Kit is a reliable product that provides accurate results.
  • Performing regular water changes are crucial to maintaining optimal conditions. Depending on your bioload and species, you may have to do a 25% water change every week or two.
  • Don’t overfeed your fish. On each serving, only give the amount of food your fish can eat in 30 secs. Accumulation of uneaten food particles and excess poop are primary reasons for ammonia spikes and the spread of other harmful chemicals.
  • Avoid overstocking at all costs. It is better to have fewer fish in a tank than more.
  • Equipment upkeep is crucial. One must periodically clean their filters to ensure water filtration efficiency.

Conclusion

We hope now you are feeling confident setting up your first 55-gallon aquarium. One must approach the hobby with a learner mindset instead of being a perfectionist.

(Video) 55 Stock Ideas For A 55 Gallon Aquarium

As you get yourself involved in the process, you will learn and gain more experience mastering the art of fishkeeping.

Related articles:

  • How Much Sand To Put In 55 Gallon Aquarium?
  • How To Make Driftwood Sink Faster In Aquarium?
  • Are Protein Skimmers Necessary In An Aquarium?

FAQs

How many fish can I put in a 55-gallon aquarium? ›

Bottom Line. The one-inch-per-gallon rule still applies, so be sure that you do not exceed 55 inches of fish in a 55-gallon tank. This roughly equates to four or five bottom-dwelling fish along with a couple algae eaters.

How do you stock a fish tank? ›

One Inch Per Gallon

The most widely known rule for stocking a tank is the one inch of fish per one or two gallons of water rule.

How often should you feed fish in a 55 gallon tank? ›

You should feed your fish two to three times daily. A few flakes per fish is sufficient. The fish should eat all the food in two minutes or less. Overfeeding can cloud your water and harm your fish.

How much does a 55 gallon fish tank weigh full? ›

625 lbs.

What fish can I put together in a 55 gallon tank? ›

5 Best Fish Tank Ideas for a 55-Gallon Aquarium
  • The Planted Livebearer Tank. Fancy mollies. ...
  • The African Cichlid Tank. Yellow lab, purple acei, and red zebra cichlids. ...
  • The Tetra Community Tank. Red phantom, glowlight, and rummynose tetras. ...
  • The Angelfish Aquarium. Silver angelfish. ...
  • The Barb Tank. Gold barbs.

How often should you change the water in a 55 gallon aquarium? ›

Change 10 to 15 percent of the water each week. If your tank is heavily stocked, bump that up to 20 percent each week. A lightly stocked tank can get by for two weeks, but that should be the maximum length of time between water changes as you do not want to place any stress on your fish.

How many Tiger Oscars can you put in a 55 gallon tank? ›

Tank Size. In captivity, Oscars can grow to about 10 inches in length thus the minimum aquarium size recommended for one Oscar is about 55 gallons. Ideally, a 75-gallon tank is best for one adult Oscar. Since Oscars love to eat, your tank will certainly have a lot of waste, resulting in a large bioload.

How warm should a 55 gallon fish tank be? ›

Most tank fish do well at temperatures from 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit (23-27 degrees Celsius), but the needs of specific fish can vary.

What is a good combination of fish for an aquarium? ›

Recommended Freshwater Aquarium Fish Combinations: 1) Apistogramma Dwarf Cichlid and Green Neon Tetra. 2) African Cichlids and Synodontis Catfish. 3) Rainbow Shark and Tiger Barbs.

How much energy does a 55 gallon fish tank use? ›

Wattage Consumption of Aquariums

On the other hand, a large aquarium (55 gallons) requires 200 to 400 kWh annually, but a medium tank (30 gallons) uses 150 to 200 kWh.

How do you maintain a heavily stocked aquarium? ›

Maintenance of a Heavily Stocked Aquarium.
...
The conditions that produce an hypoxic substrate typically include some combination of:
  1. overstocking.
  2. large pea gravel substrate.
  3. no pond mud inoculate.
  4. little aeration.
  5. low protein food.
  6. heavy feeding.
  7. low water movement.

What should I put at the bottom of my fish tank? ›

Gravel is probably the most popular substrate option for many fishkeepers. The variation in shapes, sizes and colours make gravel suitable for a variety of set-ups. If you plan on buying fish tank gravel for your aquarium, it is a good idea to consider the livestock that you are keeping first.

Is it better to feed fish in the morning or at night? ›

When Should I Feed My Fish? In nature, most fish feed in the early morning and at dusk. Exceptions are herbivores and omnivores that forage throughout the day, and nocturnal species. Although aquarium fish can be fed at any time of day, morning and evening feedings are best.

Do you have to feed fish at the same time everyday? ›

Most fish will do well with two meals a day. The timing is not critical, with the exception of nocturnal feeders. If you have nocturnal fish in your tank, such as certain catfish, be sure to feed them just before turning the lights out at night.

How many pounds of gravel do I need for a 55 gallon tank? ›

How Much Gravel for a 55-Gallon Tank? Fish enthusiasts may opt for a 55-gallon tank to create a realistic habitat for a sizable population of fish. A large, 55-gallon tank will require a whopping 55 pounds of gravel to keep fish healthy and happy.

Is a 55 gallon fish tank too big? ›

There is a good reason why 55 gallon (208.2 L) fish tanks seem to be everywhere in the aquarium hobby; they're not too big and they're not too small so they allow for a full range of both marine and freshwater species with the required equipment and products being easy to find.

Do I need to reinforce my floor for an aquarium? ›

For example, a 125 gallon tank, on a wooden stand, placed perpendicular to the joists up against a bearing wall, will often be okay without any additional structural support. If your tank is over 125 gallons, then it is likely that you should consider adding supports under your wood framed floor.

What types of fish Cannot live together in an aquarium? ›

Cichlids, certain species of sharks, loaches, knife fish, mormyrids and other territorial fish do not share space well with members of their own kind or closely related species.

How deep is a 55 gallon fish tank? ›

55 GALLON TANK: Measures 48 inches wide by 13 inches deep by 20 inches high.

What fish can live with angelfish in a 55 gallon tank? ›

If you have a 55 gallon (208 liter) or bigger, you have plenty of room to have a few angelfish and a school of cory cats, zebra loaches or rainbowfish. But if you have a smaller tank, it's better to go with something like a few platies or a dwarf gourami.

How often do you change gravel in a fish tank? ›

Generally, you should aim to do this every few weeks. Sometimes, you will notice detritus worms living inside the gravel. These are small, white creatures. If you see this, it's time to replace the gravel, as these worms will start to cause the material in the tank to decay.

How often do you vacuum gravel in a fish tank? ›

As with all the best maintenance routines, regular vacuuming, either once a week or once every other week, is best for your aquarium. Be sure to remove all your decor prior to vacuuming.

Is it OK to do a full water change in fish tank? ›

Completely replacing the water in the fish tank is a bad idea because it will remove beneficial bacteria that live in the tank and reset the nitrogen cycle, which could kill your fish. If you regularly clean your tank, doing a partial water change is the best option. Keep your fish's water clean, but not sterile.

How big of a tank do I need for 5 Oscars? ›

Because Oscars typically grow about 10 inches long in captivity, the minimum tank size recommended for a single Oscar is about 55 gallons. Ideally, however, a 75-gallon tank is best for one adult Oscar and, if you plan to keep more than one, you will need a tank at least 100 gallons in capacity.

What fish Can Tiger Oscar live with? ›

What fish do good with Oscars? As long as fish are large and confident enough to stand their ground against a pushy Oscar fish, as well as capable of living in the warmer waters the Oscar needs, they will do well with Oscars. Some of these include Firemouth Cichlids, Silver Dollar Fish, and Red Tail Sharks.

How do I know if my tank is too cold? ›

If your tank temperature is too cold, then your fish's metabolism will slow down, which leads to your fish becoming sluggish and sleepy. On the flipside, water that is too warm causes your fish's metabolism to speed up. Your fish will become more lively or even hyperactive.

How cold is too cold for a fish tank? ›

Cool water fish do better in temperatures below that, usually between 60° and 75°F (15-24°C), but some of them enjoy water well below 70°F, which is not suitable for any tropical fish. Ultimately the best temperature will depend on the species of fish in the aquarium.

Can I put ice cubes in fish tank? ›

Avoid putting ice cubes directly into your aquarium unless you make them with reverse osmosis or dechlorinated water. Perform small partial water changes with slightly cooler water, making sure not to drop the temperature of your aquarium too rapidly.

What is the prettiest fish for a tank? ›

Nine of the World's Most Gorgeous Fish
  • Mandarinfish. ...
  • Clown Triggerfish. ...
  • Betta Fish. ...
  • Lionfish. ...
  • Butterflyfish. ...
  • Angelfish. ...
  • Seahorse. Instantly recognizable, there is something so graceful and gorgeous about seahorses. ...
  • Killifish. Another excellent aquarium fish, people love to watch this one, and with good reason.
Mar 30, 2022

What is the coolest fish to own? ›

10 Amazing Fish You Can Keep as Pets
  • Bettas. ...
  • Plecostomus. ...
  • Discus. ...
  • Swordtail. ...
  • Pearl Gourami. ...
  • Zebra Danios. ...
  • Neon Tetras. ...
  • Guppies. Guppies, like danios, are a hugely popular aquarium fish thanks to their wide variety of colours and patterns, as well as their easy-going temperament.
Oct 29, 2020

Do fish tanks raise electricity bill? ›

Based on a freshwater fish only aquarium at about 72 F, the total consumption for a small tank (10 Gallons) is about 150 kWh a year. A medium tank (30 Gallons) will run between 150 – 200 kWh per year, while a large aquarium (55 Gallons) needs 200 – 400 kWh per year.

Do fish tanks use lots of electricity? ›

Total power consumption is 62 watts, but halve the heater and lighting consumption because they are only on for an average of 12 hours out of 24, and average power consumption is just 31 watts.

Does a fish pump use a lot of electricity? ›

Fish tanks do use a lot of energy, between pumps, lights, and heaters, it's no surprise they are costly to run. However there are ways to cheapen their usage somewhat.

How many cichlids can I put in a 55 gallon tank? ›

A 55 gallon tank can house up to 15 African cichlids depending on species, maximum size and temperament.

How many gallons does a 55 gallon aquarium hold per hour? ›

GPH stands for gallons per hour. It's a measure of how much water the filter pump can move in an hour. It's recommended that you get a filter with a GPH that is at least four times your tank volume. For example, for a 55 gallon tank, you want a GPH of at least 220.

Do cichlids prefer sand or gravel? ›

For cichlids, a sand substrate is considered the best. That's because cichlids love to dig and move the sand around, and they exhibit the same behavior in nature which serves many purposes, such as scavenging for food or making nests for laying eggs. The pinnacle of sands is aragonite sand.

How many angelfish can you have in a 55 gallon tank? ›

Angelfish are large cichlids that can grow to about 3-4 inches long. So, a 55-gallon aquarium will provide pretty good growth potential for them. Ideally, every adult angel needs 10 gallons of water, so a 55-gallon tank can comfortably accommodate 4-6 angels.

Videos

1. The BEST Ideas for Your 55 Gallon Aquarium
(Aquarium Co-Op)
2. 55 Gallon Fish Tank Stocking Ideas: Some Cool Center Piece Fish!
(Prime Time Aquatics)
3. Stocking ideas for 55 gallon / 220Liter (Litre) fish tank. Fish combinations for medium aquarium
(Uri Shasha)
4. 8 Great Fish Ideas for a 55 Gallon Aquarium!
(Fintastic Freaks)
5. Top 6 *IDEAS* for your 55 Gallon fish tank
(Fish Tank Barn)
6. Top 5 Fish for a 55 Gallon Aquarium
(KeepingFishSimple)

References

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