Hey, I need some help,

I like a school (?) of cardinals in planted tanks. Maybe a few cories and a long finned tetra.
 
excuzzzeme said:
I would suggest a trip through some local fish stores so you can see some. Go through these stores and ask the same questions at each. Don't tell either you have different information, it only starts a flame war. Once you have actually seen something you like come back and ask advice BEFORE you get them. We will help all we can. It is better to find something you like and see if it's a good stock rather than to be heartbroken that we advise against a particular fish that you have already purchased.

Now is the time to set up the tank and start the cycle process.
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:iagree:100%

and :welcome: to AC
 
Paintballer99 said:
ah yes i see now!! thanks for saving me!!
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Your welcome we are here to help :thm:. I would look to see what your LFS have in stock. I know most LFS dont bother in changing the water parameters for there stock so I would say most of the fish you LFS carry will be fine with your tap water. I would start cycling that tank though.

Dont be like most people and buy fish on inpulse you will regret it in the long run just take a pad and pencil and write some names down or if u can take a camera or camera phone snap some pics and we could help you out on what would be best for your tank. Sometimes LFS mislabel there stock.
 
pH swings within one point in every 24 hours do not harm fish at all. There's a bunch of mythology about pH, but it is just that. Fish are largely insensitive to pH; they do not require particular levels, except when it comes to eggs hatching, and they do not mind swings - planted tanks often swing considerably in pH because of CO2 injection and use during the day. Fish can adapt to a change of more than a full point in a few minutes; I know, because my QT tank has a very different pH to my display tank because of CO2 and peat filtration, but the fish take the move with no problems. It's differences in hardness which really matter.
 
The filter you are looking at is decent but I'm not sure if it'd be enough for a 20L. I'm using one on a 5.5g and it seems to be at max. Try some of the other canister filters if you want to go that route (planted w/ co2.) Eheim 2213, Fluval 205, etc. are good for your size aquarium. Eco complete is a great substrate. Its kind of expensive but you will not have problems with it. As far as the co2 system you are looking at, the bubble ladder is not the best for distributing CO2, and the small diy can can easily be replaced by a 2 litre bottle. Just run the CO2 line directly to the intake of your filter and you'll be good. Also, regarding your preferences for low-medium light plants, you may not need the CO2. What specific plants did you like?

The best thing you can do right now is take time to research the fish you are interested in and figure out how you can best take care of those fish. Plan your aquarium around them, not vice versa. You took the right first step by asking around on here.

Oh and welcome to AC!

-Mike
 
Hey, Thanks for responding!
You are really sure that the filter won't be good? The only reason i say that is because it says up to 20 gals, (and its on sale!)


Some plants that i like are baby tears, compact swords, Rotala Sp. “Green”, Hydrocotyle Leucephala (Brazilian Pennytowrt) and maybe some grass?

Thanks!!
Paint
 
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Normally you wanna get a filter that is graded for an aquarium bigger then yours. On my 55gal I got an aquaclear 70 which is graded for my tank and a lil larger but I only got it there mainly for water flow since I got a divider and need the water movement on both sides or water gets stagnant. The main filter I bought for mine is an Aquaclear 110 which is graded for a 75-90 I think
 
Ok i think i'm going to go for a higher aquaclear. That way i dont have to order it offline, cause i saw some at my local store.
 
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