new tank setup and fish compatability

Question
We have a 55 gallon tank which we used to have cichlids, but we soon found out that they can be very agressive fish, so we have moved them to a different tank. We want colorful fish but less agressive ones, we also want a variety but a variety that can co exist without bothering one another. Do you have any suggestions on what types of fish i should look for?"

Answer
There is a number of colorful compatibal fish that would work wonderfully in a 55 gallon. Some of these include: Bosemani rainbow, yellow rainbow, cory catifsh, angelfish, cherry barbs, bala sharks, silver dollars, pleco's (algae eaters), snails, gourami's (usually only one though and some males can be super aggressive towards their own kind), clown loaches, and most tetras. Just make sure if you get one of the bigger kinds you do not mix them with the smaller tetras and they will likely be eaten by the big guys. It all depends on what your preference is but there are so many choices you may find it hard to actualy choose your which ones you want. As for my personal preferences, I love cory catfish and angelfish. However, I would use caution with angelfish. Some work great together and some will kill their own kind. I would recommend starting with just one angelfish, if you choose them, and learn its behavior. Once you know its behavior you will be able to judge whether it will be able to be mixed with another angelfish. If the angel you get does not pick on any other fish, it is highly likely that you can add another. Just make sure to briefly observe the angel you add for a tiny bit at the store to make sure the angel you get is not highly aggressive. I also enjoy rainbow fish very much. They are highly active and colorful and can mix with a large variety of other fish. The only thing with rainbows is that they are not usually colorful when they are small, so you may see them and not want them due to lack or color. Dont let that fool you. In no time you will have a very colorful addition to your tank. I recommend bosemani rainbows who get yellow on their back half and a brilliant blue on their front and also yellow rainbows because they have a yellow strip down them and they usually get a black strip as well only adding to their brilliance. So many choices so little time. I currently have a 30 gallon with two angelfish, one bosemani rainbow, one yellow rainbow, two cherry barbs, two silver dollars, and two bala sharks, it is by far the most colorful and active tank I have had yet. I also add fun cleaners such as snails (can be gold to brown to green, many choices), algae eaters and bottom feeders such as cory catfish. One last piece of information, with bottom feeders such as catfish (corys and chanels and others) you need to be careful because some can be super aggressive. Cory's are not aggressive in the least but chanel and spotted catfish can be aggressive and territorial. I would recommend keeping to one type of catfish like all corys, all loaches, or all channel catfish. Other than those quick tid bits, now you have to decide what you want. Let me know if you need more help. Have fun choosing!