How much cover?

[MidnightPyro]

I'm starting a new aquarium, and I have a 20 gallon. I have 2 very small artificial planty viney things, and a small rock I placed in the aquarium. I was wondering how much cover was needed for the fish, or whether it was just a matter of personal preference. I'd say about 10% of the open space in the aquarium is occupied by these things, and the other 90% is just open.

Thanks!

 

[zazz]

good question.
It depends on the fish, actually. what ya gettin?
Not that you asked, but I am a big fan of live plants myself. its hard to go wrong java fern or java moss IME

 

[WinterWind]

Like zazz stated, it is really a matter of what type fish you will get. If you get a big fish, then you will need a lot of open space, but if you have smaller fishes such as tetras, a lot of plants and stuff would be good. As a rule of thumb, put enough plants and decorations so that it is pleasing to the eye and gives the fish ample room to hide and play in, but that still gives them a lot of open space in the front to swim around.