Large Fish For 55 Gallon Tank?

Gourami Swami

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Don't get an Oscar or an arowana. You don't have a very large tank, and these are very large fish. Not to be negative or "rain on your parade", but 10" absolute maximum length is the largest fish that should live in a 55 gallon. In my opinion- some will probably tell you even 10" would be too large; it is a matter of opinion. But, what is NOT a matter of opinion, is that any fish that grows as large as the tanks width (12") would be cruel to keep. Won't even be able to turn around without bumping into the front and back.
You also mention plants. If you want a planted aquarium, large fish (especially cichlids) are going to make it very difficult, digging up and shredding your plants.

Question- why are you buying a juwel rio 240? You could get a standard 55 gallon (or even a 90 gallon - which would be just large enough for an Oscar) for cheaper than the cost of the Rio.
 

Steve_C

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While not exactly colorful, have you given any thought to maybe a pair of senegalus bichirs? They get to about 10"-12" max but since they are very eel like they can turn around easily in a small area so a pair would live very happily in a 55g tank. Plus they love live plants so would be good for a planted tank. Then if you still wanted some color you could had a couple geos or blue acara or something like that to give it a bit more color. Just something to think about.
 
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Fat Homer

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Depending on your level of commitment, you could also look into certain true freshwater puffers and turn that tank into a lightly planted tank???

That way you’ll be able to have interactive predators which seems to be what you are looking for???

Otherwise, you could consider some of the less common bettas such as Betta Channoides / Betta Albimargeneta or even their slightly larger counter parts...
 
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krull

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usually you can find larger fish tanks online second hand fairly cheap... as long as you have space.
 

Seedy J

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How about rainbowfish? I used to have Bosemani rainbowfish in my 55g and they were great. I'm upgrading my 55g Malawi tank to a 75g soon and thinking of doing rainbowfish again in the 55.
 

Belly up

Piranha
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The electric blue acara are peaceful and colorful. Add some rosy barbs and you have a great combination of colors and a lot of activity. You could then find a suitable loach and or a catfish and have a tank that should hold your interest and be beautiful.
 

Backfromthedead

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Largest fish i would recommend for a 55 would be a severum or jack dempsey. With proper care and maintenance you could probably have a pair of severums.
 

Fat Homer

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I have a feeling we can give up with suggestions... the OP hasnt been back since posting this and never replied to anyones input...
 
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