start off with fish that are not real expensive. This way if they die then you can find out what went wrong without losing alot of money. Once you have corrected the problem then you can start buying the prettier, more expensive fish.

I think you have some really good answers here with some wide diversity. I would assume you know about the cycle process since you do have some smaller tanks, but just in the event you don’t, think about your long term fish after the tank has cycled. Get some hardy fish like the Danio’s, Zebras, Platty’s, Mollies, even some guppies. Pick just one species and let them sit in the cycle unless you want to opt for a fishless cycle. In the event you are going fishless, I’d email Copperhead or Ghapy because I have never tried that one. Once you cycle is all done with, I personally think neon’s and painted glass fish are really striking in coloration.

One distinct advantage to MOST small fish is that you could house more of them generally, but when considering this, stock based on adult sizing. Meaning you have a 55 gallon tank, but don’t max out your bio load right now, because the fish you get are not going to stay that size. Just like with your clothes allow for growing room, so consider your long term size when looking at your species. There are some really brilliantly colored cichilds I have seen, but don’t know much about that could make a great addition to your tank. I am not an expert on cichilds but there is one of the top contributers you could consult on that one 8 in the something. I forget lol. Gourami have a bunch of different breeds you could get, nice colors on them as well. I personally have 4 Lavendars, 2 Giants, and 2 Dwarves. Try this site, I know they may not be in your particular area, but they have a great forum of pics to look over, and they will take calls on advice.

This will be such fun for you. Don’t go with just big or just small fish. Mix em up. A group of schooling fish always looks nice. Can go with the Neon Tetra’s (blue/red) or with a Zebra Danio(blue/silver). I like the action that the danio’s give to the tank. They swim the entire tank and very quickly. The neon’s do a bit more hovering and aren’t as active. Both look great in groups of 5-7.

Let the tank set and age for at least a week before adding any fish. Hook up the filters and all just like the fish were in it. To save trouble in the future, use bottled water; drinking or spring, not distilled. As you pick out your community of fish just add a few at a time. Do not go and buy all at once and dump them in. Will overload your Eco system. Get some nice Angel fish and can add a Betta to the mix also. Have plenty of hiding spots in the tank. Rocks or whatever you like. Get yourself a good aquarium book. It will be of immense help to you. Good luck and enjoy your tank.

Giant Danios are a good start. Start with four. Let the tank cycle for about a month.

You can’t go wrong with getting five fancy goldfish or two or three common/comet goldfish.

You have a lot of space to work with, so if you’d like to do a tropical community tank, that would be ideal.

If you’re interested in just one species, try some angelfish or maybe some other cichlids.

Cheap gold fish or other inexpensive fish. The ones I buy are usually under a buck.

small fish would probably be better. Platties are very hardy fish and they come in many different colors too! Here are some more

neon tetras
swordtails
guppies
Khuli loaches
Gold barbs
cherry barbs
mollies
and many more, hope this helps! Good luck!!