Lights,fish

Question
QUESTION: On a 55.gal tank what type of lights would I need for live plants. I've heard I need just normal lights and I also heard that I need high exspensive lights but I got that information from somebody who clearly doesn't take care of there fish on had a large red knot and ick and they said it was in perfect health. but any anyways could you answer my questio. Also what fish could I put in a 55.gal tank could you give me an idea

ANSWER: Hi Seth

In all of my tanks, I use Natural Daylight lighting. They are not only great for the plants, but they are less stressful on the fish as well. They also show off the fish's color better in my opinion. Granted, these bulbs are slightly more expensive, but well worth it in the long run.

As far as the type of fish, it really depends on the type of fish you want to keep.

For a peaceful community tank Angels, Kribensis, Gouramis, Mollies and Swordtails with a couple of Cory Cats make a nice community.

For a more active community Blood Parrots, 1 Green Severum, Kribensis, large Gouramis, Silver Dollars, Bala Sharks and larger catfish make an active and colorful community. Despite their peaceful appearance, Blood Parrots can be mean. I NEVER thought any of my Blood Parrots would attack another fish until one day I witnessed 2 of them attacking a Dwarf Gourami that had been in the tank long before they were. Luckily I was in the room at the time and got the Gourami out and into another tank without injury. Make sure you keep them with fish of similar size. The Kribensis are a much smaller Cichlid, but well capable of defending themselves.

A more aggressive tank could consist of Oscars, Jack Dempseys, Blood Parrots, Tinfoil Barbs, Silver Dollars and large Pleco. These fish are best kept in singles of each species and should all be the same size. You also won't be able to keep many of these in a 55 gallon as they will grow quite large.

I don't recommend African Cichlids for someone just starting out.

Hope this helps,

Richard





---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: sorry but exactly how exspensive mt local fish store said that I needed lights that would be $300-400 dollars

Answer
Oh for goodness sakes, QUIT listening to twits at the fish store. They need to sell things to pay their rent this month. I would definitely not return to that store. A complete 55 tank setup would cost about $400 including the tank, hood, lights, filter and stand.

Did your tank come with a top and light? The bulbs I am talking about are fluorescent and cost $18 each for the one for a 48" light strip. Hope this helps, good luck and stay away from that fish store!

Richard