10 Best Freshwater Fish For 55-gallon Tanks [2025]
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Choosing the best freshwater fish for 55-gallon tanks can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available and varying compatibility considerations. To simplify your search, we’ve meticulously shortlisted 10 top products that cater to different preferences and tank environments. Our curated list not only highlights the most suitable fish for your needs but also saves you time and hassle, allowing you to focus on creating a thriving aquatic habitat.
Top 10 Freshwater Fish For 55-gallon Tanks In The Market
Freshwater Fish For 55-gallon Tanks Review
- GLASS AQUARIUM: Rectangular glass aquarium makes an ideal home for your fish.
- ADD ON ACCESSORIES: Mix and match with your favorite Tetra filtration, lighting and water care products (sold separately).
- EASY CUSTOMIZATION: Use assorted Tetra accessories (sold separately) to make your aquarium your own.
- 55 GALLON TANK: Measures 48 inches wide by 13 inches deep by 20 inches high.
- TETRA BRAND: Dedicated to helping seasoned hobbyists and beginners alike enjoy a successful, lifelong aquatic experience.
- Multi-stage filtration that includes biological, chemical and mechanical
- Easy access for quick routine maintenance with included hang on the back polishing unit
- Multiple water return options for optimal versatility to best suite a variety of aquarium habitats; spray bar, water director and water polishing unit
- Water Polishing Unit uses Large Aqueon Replacement Filter Cartridges; replace monthly
- Internal media replacement; carbon change every 30 days, foam pad rinse or replace as needed, white polishing pad change as needed
- GLASS AQUARIUM KIT: Glass aquarium with 2 low-profile hinged hoods that house energy efficient white LEDs to create a natural underwater shimmer effect
- EASY TO SET UP: Complete kit includes everything you need to get started
- FILTER INCLUDED: Comes with the Tetra Whisper PF 60 Power Filter with Tetra Large Bio-Bag Filter Cartridge
- WITH HEATER: Includes a 200-watt heater and thermometer, along with a fish net, Tetra AquaSafe water conditioner sample, TetraMin food sample and setup guide
- 55 GALLON TANK: Measures 48 inches wide by 13 inches deep by 20 inches high
- NOTHING LIKE OLD SCHOOL: The Clear-Free Premium Under Gravel Filter is air driven and utilizes an Air Pump (not included) to cycle crystal clear water throughout your aquarium, while keeping a crisp and neat look inside. This means there’s less “moving parts,” making for simplistic and easy maintenance. This filter is suitable for most 40 – 55 gallon aquariums.
- BIOLOGICAL, CHEMICAL, AND PHYSICAL FILTRATION: As air is pushed through the Air Stones and rises through the Lift Tubes, water is gently suctioned through gravel and the filter plates, allowing both air and water to pass through the Filt-a-Carb Activated Carbon Cartridges. When water continues to be drawn through, anaerobic bacteria collects and colonizes within the gravel and filter plates.
- ALSO AERATES YOUR TANK: Since the Clear-Free Premium Under Gravel Filter is air driven through the use of Air Stones and an Air Pump (not included), it also aerates your tank. In essence, your aquarium is being filtered and aerated at the same time, though the same system. It’s a filter and bubbler in 1.
- ITEMS INCLUDED: The Clear-Free Premium Under Gravel Filter includes 4 Filter Plates, 4 Adjustable Lift Tubes, 4 Straight Airline Tubes, 9 Filter Plate Connecters, and 4 Replaceable Filt-a-Carb Activated Carbon Media Cartridges.
- MEASUREMENTS: Each Filter Plate Separately = 11.25” (W) x 11.25” (D) / Filter Plates Together = 45” (W) x 11.25” (D) / Each Lift Tube at Filter Plate Base = 13.25” – 16.5”
- CRYSTAL CLEAR - Turns CLOUDY and GREEN water crystal clear in 3-7 days. The larger the fish tank, the longer it takes. Reduce the number of water changes in the fish tank.
- DOUBLE FILTRATION - First stage Biochemical Sponge Filter. Second stage 254nm wavelength U-V Light treatment.
- SEPARATE SWITCHES - Control the water pump and fish tank light separately. When you only want to use the aquarium filter function, you can turn off the fish tank U-V light separately.
- SMELLS FRESH - Once the fish tank is full of green will be accompanied by the smell. This green killing machine can reduce the unpleasant smell in the fish tank.
- EASY TO CHECK LIGHT UP - You can easily check that the light is on from the outside of the machine, don't need to take the machine apart to see it.
- STAGE 1 2 - CATCHES DEBRIS: Dense, DOUBLE-SIDED(White&Black) mesh sponge clip filters out debris, fish waste, food residue, plant leaves and fine particles etc
- STAGE 3 - CERAMIC BIO-BALLS: These biological media system provide a large surface area and open porosity to absorb odor and discoloration and break down waste to improve water quality
- ADJUSTABLE & STEADY WATER FLOW: This filter allows efficient water filtration with its powerful pump. You can adjust the flow of water to meet your different needs
- EASY TO USE: (Lowest water level: 2.6 inches). Easy to install, convenient top lid canister allows for quick media cleaning/replacement. The waterfall design helps with water aeration
- WIDE APPLICATION: Both for freshwater and saltwater aquarium. Ideal for aquatic turtle tanks or fish tanks, reptiles, frogs, amphibians. Can also be used in 75 gallon aquariums
- Work best on tanks with 48 inches long for full cover effect; with two extendable brackets, this light also fits for fish tank from 48 to 54 inches long
- Light body without docking brackets: 45” L x 2.7” W. Tank thickness: No limit to rim size
- Configuration: Total 96 LEDs, 68 pcs 6500K white LED, 14 pcs blue LED, 7 pcs pink LED, 7 pcs Green LED
- MODE: all lights on and all lights off; no timer; light brightness is not adjustable
- Suitable for Fresh Water Tank: bright, energy efficient and long lasting full spectrum LEDs emit enough light for your fresh water fish NOTE： LIGHT IS NOT WATERPROOF, KEEP THE LIGHT AWAY FROM SPLASHING WATER
- Orlushy 500W Aquarium Heater: Orlushy 500W heater can work perfectly in 55-80 gallons tank, suitable for aquariums, fish tanks, betta tanks and turtle tanks. The length of this heater is 9.8 inches, which is more compact in size than original heater, taking up less space and can be easily hidden in the aquarium.
- Safer and More Durable Quartz Glass: This aquarium heater is made of gray quartz glass, which has higher hardness than regular quartz glass, more high-temperature resistant and explosion-proof. This material makes the heater safer and more durable to be used in both freshwater and saltwater, longer service life is provided.
- Rapid Water Heating and Accurate Water Sensor: With uniformly wound premium nickel-chromium wire, heat can rapidly dissipate to a wider area in water, more efficient water heating. Unique water temp sensing system can accurately correct the water temperature in real time at set value, protecting your aquatic lives from fluctuating water temperature. Once the water temperature exceeds 95℉, heater will automatically cut off the power and error code “EE” will be shown, getting your fish rid of the risk of “boiling fish”.
- External Controller with LED Digital Display: External control reduces the risk that water gets in and burn out the heater, greatly improving the safety. Remote control allows you to adjust the heater without being done in water and getting hand wet. The temperature is adjustable ranging from 65℉ to 93℉, and the set value changes 1 ℉ per press. Besides, you can also observe the real-time water temperature from the digital display at any time.
- Free Thermometer and 180 Days Warranty: This fish tank heater comes with one free strip thermometer for better temperature calibrator as well as 180 days warranty that free replacement of heater are provided if any problem occurs to it. If you have any issue with the heater, please feel free to contact us. We would provide a timely after-sale service.
- TETRA WATER CLEANER: Gravel siphon used to easily clean aquariums.
- COMPATIBLE AQUARIUM SIZE: For aquariums up to 55 gallons.
- MAKES MONTHLY WATER CHANGES EASY: It only takes 30 minutes to replace 30% of water every 30 days.
- REMOVE DEBRIS: Siphons are a great way to easily remove debris from gravel by moving the water cleaner throughout the gravel.
- INCLUDED: Tetra Water Cleaner comes with gravel siphon, priming bulb and clip for bucket for a simple set up.
- 【High Quality Aquarium Light】 Aquarium light designed for tanks measuring 48-54 inches, high-quality fully enclosed aluminum casing, fully potted with IP68 waterproof rating, high lumens, no flicker, better color rendering, and longer service life, up to tens of thousands of hours. This aquarium led light offers full spectrum illumination to enhance the colors of your fish and plants, creating a vibrant underwater environment.
- 【Built-in Timer and Adjustable Bracket】 Our fish tank light features a built-in timer with auto on/off function, allowing you to easily customize the lighting schedule for your tank. Set the timer to simulate natural sunrise and sunset effects. The extendable bracket ensures a secure and adjustable fit for your tank, accommodating a variety of aquarium sizes and shapes. Easily adjust the height and angle of the light to achieve the perfect lighting coverage for your plants and fish.
- 【Full Spectrum and Single-Color Modes】 DAYLIHGT: Simulates the effect of sunrise and sunset when the lights are turned on. Open or close slowly. Prevent the fish from being frightened and jumping or bumping into the tank when the light suddenly becomes brighter. MOONLIGHT: The night light mode has 8 RGB colors. You can set the color of the night light mode according to your preferences and choose your own color. full spectrum aquarium light is very simple to operate.
- 【Fish Tank Light Parameters】 Fish aquarium lights with adjustable multi-color settings. The brightness of each individual red, green, blue, and white LED can be adjustable from 100% to 10%. Power:68W. LED Quantity:293PCS(White:157PCS/BLUE:39PCS/ RED:20PCS/GREE:18PCS/ RGB:59PCS). CRI:85. For Fish Tnak Long:48”-54” . Frequency: 50HZ. Input Votage:AC100-240V. Output Votage:DC20V. Kelvin: 6000-10000K. Lumen: 3520.
- 【Ideal for Planted Tanks】 This aquarium plant light is specially designed for freshwater planted tanks. The full spectrum aquarium light can perfectly simulate the natural 24-hour cycle of sunlight. Ideal for used in fish tank and planted tank. Create a lush and healthy aquatic ecosystem with the perfect balance of light and nutrients. Elevate your aquarium experience with our aquarium light!
Our Review Process
To ensure you get reliable product recommendations, we follow a detailed review methodology that includes:
- Market Research: Scanning best-selling and trending products in this category.
- User Feedback: Reviewing customer reviews, star ratings, and complaints.
- Hands-On Testing: Trying select products ourselves when feasible.
- Feature Comparison: Evaluating specs, durability, pricing, and safety.
- Expert Opinions: Consulting with niche experts or credible reviewers.
We independently select the top 10 options based on value, quality, and usability. To learn more, visit our detailed review process.
Key Considerations Before Buying Freshwater Fish for 55-Gallon Tanks
When considering adding freshwater fish to a 55-gallon tank, several factors should be taken into account to ensure a healthy and thriving aquarium environment. Proper planning can lead to a more enjoyable and successful fish-keeping experience.
1. Tank Cycling
Before introducing fish, it’s crucial to cycle the tank. This process establishes beneficial bacteria that break down harmful ammonia and nitrites. A properly cycled tank can prevent stress and illness in fish. Testing water parameters regularly during this phase is essential.
2. Compatibility of Fish Species
Different species of fish have varying temperaments and habitat requirements. Research which fish are compatible with each other, as some may be aggressive or territorial, leading to stress or injury. Consider community-friendly species if you want a mixed tank.
3. Size and Space Requirements
While a 55-gallon tank offers ample space, it’s important to consider the adult size of the fish you plan to keep. Research the maximum size of the species and how many can comfortably live in the tank without overcrowding, which can lead to stress and health problems.
4. Water Parameters
Different fish species thrive in specific water conditions, including temperature, pH, and hardness. Ensure that the water parameters of your tank match the needs of your chosen fish. Use a reliable water testing kit to maintain optimal conditions.
5. Filtration and Maintenance
A well-functioning filtration system is vital for maintaining water quality. Choose a filter that can handle the volume of a 55-gallon tank effectively. Regular maintenance, including water changes and filter cleaning, should be part of your routine to keep the tank healthy.
6. Feeding Requirements
Different fish have different dietary needs. Research the feeding habits of your chosen species to ensure you provide a balanced diet. Additionally, consider the feeding schedule and portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to water quality issues.
7. Aquascaping and Hiding Spots
Creating a suitable environment for your fish is essential. Incorporate plants, rocks, and other decorations to provide hiding spots and promote natural behavior. This helps reduce stress and allows fish to establish territories.
8. Budget Considerations
Establishing a 55-gallon tank can be an investment. Consider not only the cost of the fish but also the tank setup, equipment, ongoing maintenance, and potential emergencies. Set a budget that encompasses all aspects of fishkeeping.
9. Quarantine Procedures
To prevent the introduction of diseases, consider quarantining new fish before adding them to your main tank. A separate quarantine tank allows you to observe new arrivals for signs of illness while ensuring the health of your existing fish.
10. Long-term Commitment
Fishkeeping requires a long-term commitment, often spanning several years. Consider your availability to care for the fish, including daily feeding, regular maintenance, and monitoring health. Ensure you are prepared for the responsibility that comes with owning fish.
FAQs
What types of freshwater fish are suitable for a 55-gallon tank?
A 55-gallon tank can accommodate a variety of freshwater fish species. Some popular choices include Tetras, Cichlids, Rainbowfish, Angelfish, Gouramis, and Barbs. It’s essential to consider the fish’s size and compatibility with other species when selecting tank mates.
How many fish can I keep in a 55-gallon tank?
The general rule of thumb is to allow one inch of fish per gallon of water. However, this can vary based on the fish’s adult size and the filtration system. It’s important not to overcrowd the tank, as this can lead to poor water quality and stressed fish.
What kind of filtration system is best for a 55-gallon tank?
A quality filtration system is crucial for maintaining a healthy aquarium. A canister filter or a high-capacity hang-on-back filter is recommended for a 55-gallon tank. Look for a filter that provides at least 4-5 times the tank volume in turnover rate per hour.
What substrate should I use for a 55-gallon freshwater tank?
The choice of substrate depends on the type of fish and plants you want to keep. Common options include gravel, sand, or planted substrates. For planted tanks, a nutrient-rich substrate is advisable to support plant growth, while for fish-only tanks, regular aquarium gravel works well.
How often should I perform water changes in a 55-gallon tank?
It’s recommended to perform partial water changes of 20-30% every 1-2 weeks. Regular water changes help maintain water quality by removing toxins and replenishing essential minerals. Always use a water conditioner to treat tap water before adding it to the tank.
What water parameters should I monitor in a 55-gallon tank?
Key water parameters to monitor include pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels. Ideally, the pH should range from 6.5 to 7.5, ammonia and nitrite should be at 0 ppm, and nitrates should be kept below 40 ppm. Regular testing helps ensure a healthy environment for your fish.
Can I keep live plants in a 55-gallon freshwater tank?
Yes, live plants can be a great addition to a 55-gallon tank. They provide oxygen, help with water quality, and create a natural habitat for fish. Choose appropriate plants based on your lighting conditions and the fish species you plan to keep.
How do I cycle a new 55-gallon tank?
Cycling a tank establishes beneficial bacteria that break down harmful waste. You can cycle a tank using the fish-in method (with hardy fish) or the fishless method (using ammonia). It typically takes 4-6 weeks for the nitrogen cycle to complete. Regularly test water parameters during this time.
What should I feed my fish in a 55-gallon tank?
Different fish have different dietary needs, but a varied diet often includes high-quality flakes, pellets, frozen or freeze-dried foods, and live foods. Ensure that you research the specific dietary requirements for each species to promote their health and well-being.
Can I keep different species together in a 55-gallon tank?
Yes, you can keep different species together as long as they have compatible temperaments and environmental requirements. Research each species’ needs, and avoid mixing aggressive fish with more peaceful ones. Providing plenty of hiding spots can also help reduce stress among tank mates.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, selecting the right freshwater fish for your 55-gallon tank can significantly enhance your aquatic experience. The ten fish we’ve highlighted in this article were carefully chosen based on various factors, including compatibility, ease of care, and the visual appeal they bring to your aquarium. By considering the specific needs and characteristics of each species, we aimed to provide a well-rounded selection that caters to both beginners and experienced aquarists alike.
By following our curated list, you can create a vibrant and harmonious aquatic environment that not only supports the health and happiness of your fish but also brings a stunning visual aesthetic to your space. Whether you are looking for colorful community fish or unique species that stand out, our recommendations will guide you in making informed decisions. Happy fish-keeping, and may your 55-gallon tank flourish with life and beauty!
