By weeebooo70@gmail.com 
A 55 gallon fish tank is one of the most popular aquarium sizes among beginners and advanced aquarists. It offers ample swimming space, stable water parameters, and the flexibility to stock a diverse range of fish species. Whether you’re planning a freshwater community tank, a semi-aggressive setup, or even a beginner-friendly marine environment, a 55-gallon aquarium provides the perfect balance of size and manageability.
In this detailed, SEO-optimized guide, we will cover everything you need to know about a 55 gallon fish tank — from types and equipment to stocking ideas, aquascaping, fish compatibility, cycling, maintenance, and FAQs.
What is a 55 Gallon Fish Tank?
A 55 gallon fish tank holds approximately 208 liters of water. It is considered a medium-large aquarium, typically measuring:
- 48 inches (length)
- 13 inches (width)
- 21 inches (height)
Because of its long shape, it offers great horizontal swimming space, making it ideal for active fish like tetras, barbs, cichlids, and even smaller saltwater species.
Why Choose a 55 Gallon Fish Tank?
A 55 gallon tank is often recommended for hobbyists who want a stable, spacious, and visually impressive aquarium.
1. Perfect Size for Community Fish
Large enough to keep multiple peaceful species together.
2. Easier Water Stability
More water volume = slower parameter fluctuations.
3. More Aquascaping Flexibility
You can create:
- Rock structures
- Driftwood forests
- Planted scapes
- Cichlid environments
- Saltwater reefs
4. Suitable for Beginners and Experts
It’s not too big, not too small — a sweet spot for most fishkeepers.
5. Wide Range of Stocking Options
You can keep:
- Tetras
- Barbs
- Gouramis
- Cichlids
- Livebearers
- Rainbowfish
- Bottom-dwellers
- Shrimp
- Snails
Types of 55 Gallon Fish Tanks
A 55 gallon tank comes in different designs and materials. Choosing the right type is important for your budget, space, and style.
1. Glass 55 Gallon Fish Tank
The most common and affordable option.
Pros
- Scratch-resistant
- Clear viewing
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Heavy
- Can break if mishandled
2. Acrylic 55 Gallon Aquarium
Acrylic tanks are lighter and allow unique shapes.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Clearer than glass
- Impact-resistant
Cons
- Scratches easily
- More expensive
3. Rimless 55 Gallon Tank
A premium, modern look — perfect for aquascaping.
Pros
- Elegant, clean appearance
- Better for photography
Cons
- Requires thicker glass
- Higher cost
4. Bow Front 55 Gallon Aquarium
Curved front panel gives a panoramic effect.
Pros
- Beautiful display
- Enhanced depth perception
Cons
- Pricier
- Harder to clean curved glass
5. 55 Gallon Starter Kit
Comes with basic equipment:
- Filter
- Lid
- Lights
- Heaters (sometimes)
Best for beginners who want a complete package.
Best Fish for a 55 Gallon Fish Tank
A 55 gallon tank allows a wide variety of community, semi-aggressive, and single-species stocking options. Here are the best fish species you can keep.
1. Freshwater Community Fish (Peaceful)
Best Choices:
- Neon Tetras
- Cardinal Tetras
- Rummy Nose Tetras
- Harlequin Rasboras
- Mollies
- Platies
- Swordtails
- Dwarf Gourami
- Pearl Gourami
- Guppies
- Rainbowfish
These species thrive in groups and look stunning in a large planted tank.
2. Semi-Aggressive Fish
Best Choices:
- Tiger Barbs
- Red Eye Tetras
- Serpae Tetras
- Angelfish (1–2 adults)
- Kribensis Cichlids
- Dwarf Cichlids (Apistogramma, Ram Cichlids)
These fish need more swimming space, which a 55-gallon tank provides.
3. Cichlids (Beginner-Friendly)
Options:
- Electric Blue Acara
- Bolivian Ram
- German Blue Ram
- Apistogramma
- Keyhole Cichlid
A 55 gallon tank is an excellent choice for peaceful or small-midsize cichlids.
4. African Cichlids (Certain Types)
You can create a beautiful Mbuna or Peacock Cichlid setup.
Suitable Species:
- Yellow Lab (Labidochromis caeruleus)
- Rusty Cichlid
- Acei Cichlid
Only for dedicated cichlid setups — not community tanks.
5. Bottom-Dwelling Fish
A 55 gallon tank provides plenty of space for bottom species:
Great Choices:
- Corydoras (school of 8–10)
- Bristlenose Pleco
- Kuhli Loaches
- Yoyo Loaches
- Zebra Loaches
6. Oddball Fish
Options include:
- Rope Fish (juveniles only, adults need larger tanks)
- African Butterfly Fish
- Freshwater Puffer (single species only)
7. Saltwater Fish for a 55 Gallon Marine Tank
If used as a saltwater setup, you can keep:
- Clownfish (pair)
- Firefish
- Gobies
- Blennies
- Royal Gramma
- Dwarf Angels
- Chromis
- Cardinalfish
This makes it a very versatile tank.
Stocking Ideas for a 55 Gallon Fish Tank
Here are complete stocking plans for different styles.
1. Peaceful Community Tank
- 15 Neon Tetras
- 10 Rummy Nose Tetras
- 3 Pearl Gourami
- 10 Corydoras
- 1 Bristlenose Pleco
2. Livebearer Showcase
- 12 Mollies
- 10 Platies
- 15 Guppies
- 1 Pleco
- Plants and driftwood
3. Angelfish Display
- 2 Angelfish
- 12 Cardinal Tetras
- 10 Corydoras
- 1 Pleco
4. African Cichlid Tank
- 10–12 Mbuna cichlids
- Sand substrate
- Rock caves
5. Planted Rainbowfish Tank
- 10 Dwarf Rainbowfish
- 10 Rasboras
- 10 Corydoras
- Plants and hardscape
6. Beginner Saltwater Tank
- 2 Clownfish
- 3 Chromis
- 1 Firefish
- 1 Goby
- Hermit crabs + snails
Equipment Needed for a 55 Gallon Fish Tank
To run a healthy aquarium, you need the right equipment.
1. Filter
Choose a filter rated for 55–75 gallons.
Recommended Types:
- Canister filter
- Hang-on-back filter
- Internal power filter
2. Heater
A 200–300 watt heater maintains stable temperature.
3. Air Pump
Improves oxygen levels.
4. Lighting
Choose LED lighting for planted or display tanks.
5. Substrate
Options include:
- Sand
- Gravel
- Aquasoil
- Crushed coral (for African cichlids)
6. Decor
Use:
- Driftwood
- Rocks
- Plants
- Caves
How to Set Up a 55 Gallon Fish Tank (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Choose Location
Stable surface, not near windows or sunlight.
Step 2: Install the Stand
A 55 gallon tank is heavy — use a dedicated stand.
Step 3: Add Substrate
Wash substrate before adding.
Step 4: Add Hardscape
Set rocks, caves, and driftwood.
Step 5: Fill Water
Use dechlorinated water.
Step 6: Install Equipment
- Filter
- Heater
- Thermometer
- Lights
Step 7: Cycle the Tank
Cycling lets beneficial bacteria grow.
Takes 2–6 weeks.
Step 8: Add Fish Slowly
Introduce fish in stages.
Aquascaping Ideas for a 55 Gallon Tank
1. Nature Style
- Driftwood
- Carpet plants
- Mid-ground ferns
- Natural river rocks
2. Jungle Style
- Tall plants
- Dense planting
- Strong lighting
3. Rockscape (Cichlid Safe)
- Stone caves
- Sand substrate
- Minimal plants
4. Saltwater Reef
- Live rock
- Coral (soft or LPS)
- Marine lighting
Maintenance Guide for a 55 Gallon Tank
Weekly Tasks
- Clean glass
- Trim plants
- Check temperature
Bi-Weekly
- Change 25–30% water
- Gravel vacuum
- Clean filter sponges
Monthly
- Deep clean decor
- Test water parameters
- Check equipment
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding
- Skipping cycling
- Incompatible fish mixing
- Overfeeding
- Not enough filtration
- Using wrong substrate
- Cleaning filter with tap water
FAQs About 55 Gallon Fish Tanks
1. Is a 55 gallon tank good for beginners?
Yes — it’s large enough for stable water and flexible stocking.
2. What fish can I keep in a 55 gallon tank?
Community fish, gouramis, rainbowfish, angelfish, corydoras, barbs, and many more.
3. How many fish can I put in a 55 gallon tank?
Depends on species. A community tank can hold 20–40 small fish.
4. Is a 55 gallon tank big enough for cichlids?
Yes — for small to medium cichlids like Mbuna, Rams, or Kribensis.
5. Do I need a heater for a 55 gallon tank?
Yes, unless keeping cold-water species.
6. What size filter do I need?
A filter rated for 70–100 gallons is ideal.
7. Is a 55 gallon tank suitable for saltwater?
Absolutely — it’s beginner-friendly for marine setups.
8. How often should I clean the tank?
Perform water changes every 1–2 weeks.
9. Can I keep goldfish in a 55 gallon tank?
Yes — 2–3 fancy goldfish or 1–2 common goldfish.
10. Do I need special lighting?
For plants or corals, use a good LED aquarium light.