Topic: Fish suggestions for 55

[Snapple]

So I had to give away my fish a few days ago due to the move back to the states. (yeah) so I decided that when I got my new place and was ready to set my 55 up again I don't want to stock small fish anymore. I would like some ideas for what would be good in that tank. A bigger fish that will get along with a pleco. Something that I would be able to keep at least 3 of would be nice. I have a huge filter for that tank that could actually handle a tank twice it's size so filtration shouldn't be an issue. I want to have my mind set so that when I get back I don't just walk through the pet store and pick out something with out having any idea of what it will be like to keep it. I've never kept big fish before either. Digging is ok as long as they aren't destructive about it. Also would prefer a fish that would get along with just having all of one sex so I don't have to worry about them reproducing. I had mollies and didn't take into account that they breed like bunnys and had an explosion of fish.   

[LittlePuff]

Clown loaches.

[EowynJane]

Oh, Cichlids would be nice.  Yellow Labs and/or Acei, I have a mixture of those two and an albino BN in my 55g.  The cichlids dig when mating but if you put egg crate below the gravel and keep replanting the plants they eventually take hold.  Cichlids like to be heavily stocked so you can put more in there (with the increased filtration), they're bright, colourful and fun to watch!  I swear mine recognize my husband and I, they always come out when we're in front of the tank but if a "stranger" looks in they hide.

[Yipee]

Silver dollars.

[Snapple]

Do those kind of cichlids bite?? I had 2 zebra cichlids (I think they were at least, black and grey striped) and cleaning the tank became a big issue because one of the little buggers would bite and I dont mean the weird gum nibble the mollies did. They had like hard ridges and it hurt! Or more startled but still I was nervous sticking my hand in the water to clean. I would like an all over the tank fish as well and the clown loaches are more bottom drawlers yes? And sorry to say it Yipee but silver dollars are kind of .... boring in my opinion. I was kind of looking into blood parrots maybe?

[R@ND0M]

Archer Fish in aquariums they rarely get over 25cm long and amazingly beautiful and fun to watch, but you need a lid and something heavy to hold it down because the can knock lids off when jumping.

[Cholly]

Bichirs! You could probably have 3-5 senegals in a 55. They're a hoot. 2 or 3 with an African Brown Knife, mebbe a zigzag eel. All are pretty peaceful with fish not small enough to be swallowed. Once my knife discovered his favorite food, even small fish were safe from him, lol.

[Snapple]

I'm thinking I'll have to wait until I make it over there and find a pet store. Thanks for the suggestions I looked up all the fish suggested. I batted around the idea of makeing it salt water for about a day but now I'm very much doubting I will try. I have a hard enough time with fresh water it seems some days.