Top Fin 55 Gallon Aquarium

Having a large, beautiful aquarium as the centerpiece of your home or office is an incredibly rewarding experience. And the Top Fin 55 gallon aquarium is one of the best options out there for a high-quality, mid-sized tank that can bring the wonder of aquatic life right to your living space.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about choosing, setting up, stocking, and caring for a Top Fin 55 gallon tank. Whether you’re a beginner just getting into the aquarium hobby or an experienced fishkeeper looking for your next big project, this advice will help you create a healthy, sustainable underwater environment.

Choosing the Right 55 Gallon Aquarium

A tank that holds around 55 gallons gives you lots of creative flexibility in terms of aquascaping and stocking fish. But not all 55 gallon aquariums are created equal – the quality of the materials and equipment included can vary widely between brands and models.

Top Fin aquariums are manufactured by PetSmart, and are generally known for being affordable while still maintaining good clarity and durability. The standard Top Fin 55 gallon tank package includes the tank itself, a basic LED hood light, and laminate stand.

Some key specs on the Top Fin 55:

• Dimensions: 48.2” x 13” x 21”
• Glass thickness: 0.375”
• Approx water capacity: 55 gallons

This size tank has a large footprint that really lets you create an eye-catching aquascape. The lighting and stand are serviceable, though you may eventually want to upgrade them. Overall, the Top Fin 55 provides excellent value for a budget-friendly 55 gallon setup.

Setting Up Your Top Fin 55 Gallon Aquarium

Once you’ve purchased your Top Fin 55 gallon tank, the fun part begins – setting it up! Properly preparing and cycling an aquarium takes patience, but is crucial to providing your fish with a safe habitat.

Here are the step-by-step instructions for getting your 55 gallon Top Fin system running:

1. Wash the Tank, Lid, and Accessories

Before filling your tank, give it a thorough wash with clean water to remove any dust or residue from the manufacturing process. Scrub inside the tank with an algae sponge or pad. Don’t use soap, chemicals, or abrasive materials that could scratch the glass.

Also wash the filter, lid, lighting system, and any decorations that came with your Top Fin 55 gallon kit. It’s important to start with a fully clean slate.

2. Add the Substrate

Next, add a substrate to the bottom of the tank. Sand or fine gravel provides a smooth and natural look. Pour it gently to avoid scratching the bottom panel. Spread the substrate 2-3 inches thick consistently across the tank floor.

Many aquarists also add plant fertilizer tabs under the substrate to nourish live plants in the tank.

3. Install Filter and Heater

Now it’s time to install the filtration system and heater, two essential mechanical components of a healthy aquarium.

The filter included with the Top Fin 55 gallon kit uses exchangeable filter cartridges. Place the filter unit in the tank, then add the cartridge as directed.

For the heater, choose one appropriately sized for a 55 gallon aquarium that can maintain stable water temperature between 76-82°F. Submersible heaters are easy to position.

4. Fill the Tank

With the base setup in place, now you can finally add water! Fill the tank slowly and gently to avoid disrupting the substrate layer. Use room temperature dechlorinated water.

As you pour, observe the water flow and make adjustments to filter and heater placement as needed. Leave space for adding decorations and plants later.

5. Install Lighting

Proper aquarium lighting is crucial for viewing your fish and maintaining live plants. The basic LED hood that comes with the Top Fin 55 gallon kit will suffice to start, but you may eventually want to upgrade to a stronger planted tank light.

For now, securely install the included LED hood centered over the tank atop the rim. Plug it in and test to make sure all bulbs are functioning properly.

6. Cycle the Tank

Before adding fish, you’ll need to cycle the tank to build up beneficial bacteria. This usually takes 4-6 weeks. Test water parameters daily and add an ammonia source to fuel the nitrogen cycle.

Once ammonia and nitrites drop to 0ppm and nitrates appear, your 55 gallon Top Fin aquarium has finished cycling and is ready for inhabitants!

Picking Fish and Decor for a 55 Gallon Aquarium

A creatively aquascaped 55 gallon tank can truly be a work of art. Now comes the fun part – bringing your underwater vision to life by choosing fish, plants, and decor.

Here are some tips for stocking your Top Fin 55 gallon aquarium:

• Large Peaceful Species: Angelfish, Discus, Rainbowfish
• Active Mid-Level Swimmers: Mollies, Tetras, Danios, Barbs
• Bottom Dwellers: Corydorfas, Loaches, Plecos
• Invertebrates: Snails, Shrimp

Aim to stock your 55 gallon tank with 1” of fish per gallon, so about 55” total. This prevents overcrowding. Mix and match species with care – some fish don’t cohabitate well.

For decor, construct rock formations, driftwood structures, and cave hideaways to create depth and complexity. Soil substrates, floating plants, and moss recreates a natural biotope. Place soft decorations and plants after filling the tank to avoid disrupting the substrate.

Maintaining Water Quality in Your Top Fin Aquarium

Caring for your 55 gallon freshwater ecosystem is rewarding but also a big responsibility. Maintaining high water quality keeps your aquatic plants and animals healthy.

Here are the keys to upkeep and maintenance for a Top Fin 55 gallon tank:

• Weekly 10-20% water changes to replenish minerals and reduce nitrate buildup
• Test pH, ammonia, nitrites 1-2 times per week. Make adjustments as needed to keep levels in safe ranges
• Clean filter media monthly by swishing/rinsing in old tank water to remove gunk and debris
• Use algae scrubbers and gravel vacuums to keep surfaces clean during water changes
• Remove excess algae buildup manually and reduce light exposure if growth becomes excessive
• Feed fish appropriate amounts 1-2 times daily and remove any uneaten food to avoid decomposition issues
• Check equipment function and replace filter cartridges, bulbs, and parts as needed

Following this regimen keeps water conditions stable and avoids issues like algae blooms or disease outbreaks. Know your tank’s nutrient levels and perform routine maintenance for thriving aquatic life!

Upgrading Filter, Lighting and Equipment

The included filter, lighting, and accessories that come with the standard Top Fin 55 gallon aquarium kit are fairly basic. Though suitable for starters, you may eventually want to upgrade to higher-performing equipment.

For filtration, a canister filter will handle biological and mechanical filtration better than simple cartridge filters. Popular options like the Fluval 407 or Eheim Classic 250 work great on 55 gallon tanks.

LED lighting has also improved dramatically in recent years. A full spectrum LED fixture like the Finnex Planted+ 24/7 will take your live plants to the next level.

Some other worthwhile upgrades include:

• Better quality, more accurate electronic water test kits
• An in-line CO2 system to fertilize plants
• A sturdy glass canopy to limit evaporation
• High-capacity heaters with external thermostats
• Supplemental powerheads for increased flow

As you gain experience as an aquarist, consider upgrading key equipment components. This expands options for advanced aquascaping, plants, and livestock in your Top Fin 55 gallon tank.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Top Fin 55

Setting up and maintaining a new 55 gallon aquarium comes with lots of questions. Here are answers to some of the most common FAQs about the Top Fin 55 gallon tank:

How many fish can you put in a 55 gallon aquarium?

A good general rule is 1 inch of fish per gallon of water. So in a 55 gallon tank, you can house about 55 inches of fish depending on species. Always research fish growth and behaviors.

What size stand do I need for a 55 gallon tank?

The 55 gallon Top Fin tank has base dimensions of 48” x 13”. You’ll need an aquarium stand at least this size that can safely support over 600 lbs when filled.

How often should you clean a 55 gallon tank?

For maintenance, you should perform 25% partial water changes weekly, clean filter media monthly, and scrub algae/detritus during water changes. Deep clean the entire tank every 6-12 months.

What size heater for 55 gallon aquarium?

A 200-250 watt submersible heater is usually sufficient for a 55 gallon tank. Choose a quality heater with adjustable temperature settings.

How much does it cost to set up a 55 gallon aquarium?

A basic 55 gallon tank, stand, equipment and fish will cost $500-800 or more. Advanced setups with upgraded filter, lighting and decor can cost $1,500+.

Creating Your Dream 55 Gallon Freshwater Tank

The Top Fin 55 gallon aquarium provides infinite possibilities for creating a dazzling underwater world right in your own home.

By following this step-by-step guide, conducting research, and applying diligent care and maintenance, you can have a thriving 55 gallon tank up and running in no time.

Use this space to design a beautiful planted community, striking biotope, or other aquatic vision to enjoy for years to come! The Top Fin 55 offers value, quality, and versatility – an ideal centerpiece for your aquatic dreams.