Advice for new tank - please

I believe Penguin and emperor are from the same company, with the Emporor being the high end model. I would say 150gph would be good, such as the penguin 150b (rated to 30 gal aquariums). Bio-wheels are very eficient, and I dont see the need to break your bank on a first time set-up.

No areation is needed so long as your filter creates surface agitiation. That will allow for plenty of oxygen exchange. If you would like to add one for fun, any size will be fine.

Heater type matters a little bit. I use cheapos most of the time, but they break easy. Some folks will recomend 2 smaller heaters, so If one fails the other one will keep the tank warm untill the broken one can be replaced. Main thing is to stay away from the preset ones, you should be able to adjust it.

Please make sure to read up on cycling and research your fish before you buy them. Many times uneducated people will be stuck with fish that are not compatible, have different needs, or will not do well in a smaller tank. (like plecos, they get up to 2 feet. dont fall for that "you need an algae eater" line)

And welcome to AC

For the bio-wheel you'll need about 100 gph. And I think using an air pump is good. This website is good for shopping around. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/NavResults.cfm?N=2004+113800
With the heater you'll need a 75-100 watt heater.

Penguin 250. No air pump. 75 watt Visitherm stealth heater.

If you look at the chart on this page it says you could use a 100 for the bio-wheel.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=12320&N=2004+22769
But if you wanted extra. You could go 150.

The Penguin 250 will work out the best. It has a bigger biowheel which will provide better biological filtration and it will filter all the water in the aquarium 12 times an hour which is ideal.

The Bio-wheel 150 is good for up to 30 gallons and should do well for you on a 20 gallon. The next step up is the Pengiun 200 for up to a 50 gallon tank. If at some point, you think you might want to upgrade to a bigger tank, you could get the 200 now to save buying a new filter later, otherwise the 150 would do well. I have a 150 on my small 10 gallon. I read better reviews for the 150 than the Pengiun 100.

On your heater, I would suggest a fully submersible heater. I agree on the Vis-Therm Stealth. There is an automatic shut valve when out of water and you can place it different directions without worrying about keeping the cord out. Don't skimp on your heater.

Also, for saving money, if you have a PetsMart that is close, check out their website, get your prices for what you want and take the printouts into the store. Even if you plan to get fish and so forth at Petco, you will most likely save money on your hardware at PetsMart (they will price match anything you can buy in the store that is sold on the website, including hardware, rocks, plants, food, etc.). We have both in our area and no other fish stores. Fish are better quality at my Petco but prices for hardware are better deals at PetsMart and they are basically across the street from each other. Some PetsMarts are better on fish - different places have different levels of quality and employee knowledge.

Good luck,
Heather

You're getting some differences in filter opinion because people tend to stock their tanks differently.

What type of fish will you be keeping in this tank? How many fish? Planted with real plants? This is what matters when choosing a filter. If you think you may be at the high end of stocking the tank, it's best to go with more filtration. My 20 gallon tanks both have Whisper filters that cycle 170 GPH and I have been quite pleased with them. I'd look for something with at least 150 GPH and probably not more than 200 GPH as you will be seeing lots of current created and not all fish like a lot of current (most filters can be adjusted, so look for that feature). Remember, filtration is not a substitute for weekly water changes and gravel vacs.

For a heater the Marineland brands are nice, reliable and affordable (100 watts are typically sold for 20 gallons).

Too much filterage is almost enough...

:dance2:

The price difference isn't that much; might as well go for as much as you can.

Mind, you don't want the fishies to be shooting the rapids, so a little common sense is involved!

I'm running Penquin 350's on my 29 gallon tanks; got a good current on the top. The danios and guppies like to play in the "rapids"; doesn't seem to effect the other fishies down deeper.