newbie to this hobby...20 gallon freshwater planted tank questions

[Liz76]

Hi everyone...I'm trying to start a planted 20 gallon tank. Right now I have a submersible heater, Co2 system, substrate, plant food, HE double T5 lighting system, and a digital thermometer. After I add the plants and everything is thriving I will introduce a Male Betta to my tank and a couple of other fishes. My questions are:
What would be an ideal filter for my tank with plants and a Betta? Do I need some type of aeration system for the evenings?

 

[livebearerfreak]

fish wise, you could do a betta with a few neon tetras and some shirmps.

 

[loser]

There's no shortage of answers to your question. I personally don't use surface agitation at night, but I do my water changes every other evening, so oxygen isn't a problem for me...honestly it's probably because I don't have a CO2 setup, I'm trying to keep CO2 in the water. Since you have CO2 then yes a bubbler is a good idea, your fish and plants will thank you for it. If you use a hang-off-the-back filter it won't be necessary.

 

[DGC]

Go canister filter or internal filter, no point putting co2 in and loosing most of it with a hang-on filter, plants will provide oxygen. i asked the bubbler question use at night some time ago and i got a 50/50 responce, went with no oxygen at night tank was larger though) and fish were fine , water c hanges are important though.

 

[Liz76]

Thank you all for your responses. I will definitely keep up with my water changes. I'll try to do a bit more research on whether to use a canister or hang-off-the-back filter. I'll think about the shrimp because I've read that depending on the personality of the Betta, he may attack and eat the them.