Best Cat for a 55gal?

[TheBigEasy]

Hi, Im currently cycling a 55gal tank. I really want a catfish, but not a cory or other small cat. What are some options for a little bit larger cat for a 55gal tank? I want to be sure it wont outgrow the tank.

Thanks.

[sidguppy]

a single

Chaca chaca

will fit the bill and you end up with a very restful tank to watch

[MatsP]

Are you planning on keeping anything else in the tank, and if so, what?

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Mats

[TheBigEasy]

im thinking of putting a jack dempsey in there.

[MatsP]

im thinking of putting a jack dempsey in there.

My personal opinion would then be that you get the JD in there, and get something that is robust and not too large - some of the commonly available Doradidae (e.g. . Something relatively fast swimming such as

Pimelodus pictus

may also work. Or a medium-large pleco, perhaps.

Most other catfish will either be too nocturnal to let you see them, or too small/fragile for a relatively aggressive JD.

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Mats

[apistomaster]

I would recommend some Pictus cats as well but I wouldn't add a jack Dempsey. There are more peaceful species to choose from. Species that do not grow as large would be better choices. Perhaps Firemouth Cichlids or Rainbow Cichlids would be better choices for a 55 gal. 55's are poorly designed, being such narrow and tall tanks, they have poor surface area to volume ratios. It is an unfortunate fact that they have become such a standard sized aquarium in this country. They are better suited as community aquariums consisting of small fish species but they are, unfortunately, frequently stocked with Discus and similarly large fish.

If you have your heart set on the Jack Dempsey, start with a young specimen(s) and add it later so the catfish won't be considered as intruders to it's territory.

[MatsP]

And perhaps consider a 75g or 120g tank, which are more "square" than the 55g - I agree that a 4ft x 13" base area tank is far too small, compared to it's length. Of my tanks, only two of them are taller than the back-to-front measure. And one of those will be replaced at some time soon (the replacement is sitting outside my fish-room, waiting to be installed). That will leave my RIO400, which is 85-90% width/height ratio, so not too bad.

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Mats

[TheBigEasy]

Thanks for the info guys, gives me a lot to consider. I have time and thats why im asking now. I just started cycling the tank yesterday.