20 Gallon Tank

[drwatts]

First of all, Hello! I'm a new user, hope I get to know each and every one of you!

Anyway, I am converting a 20-gallon terrarium to a 20-gallon aquarium--How should I sterilize the tank and decorations?

Also, What type of fish would you suggest using for a semi-beginner??? I love oscars, but I hear that a 20-gallon tank is too small even for one oscar But, I'm open to just about anything--In your (plural, lol) opininon and experience, which has been the most enjoyable fish--that's all I want, something enjoyable

Also, this may be a longer answer, but what are the recommend set-ups for this type of aquarium and fish you recommend (size filter, live vs. artificial plants, size heater, light type, gravel, etc.)

Thank you all very much!

 

[Hound]

As for tank sterilization hot clorinated water and plenty of rinsing should work fine.

If your lighting will support them I'd say you should give plants a try. If you have 20 watts of flourescent lighting you can look into low light plants. Should you have more lighting you can look into some of the more light intensive types.

If you use a HOB type filter you should try something that can filter about 150 gph. If you have room under the tank though I think you should give a look into using a small cannister filter.

Your heater should be about 75 watts or so. Try getting a submersible one.

As for what kind of fish to get things get a bit more complicated from there. If I were starting a new 20g right now I'd probably look into a guppy tank. Essentially I'd probably have planted tank with guppys, cories, and maybe some ottos. You probably should check through the species profiles to get some ideas.