Question about Wood

[Aptos]

Hey everyone,

I just got into keeping fish when my girlfriend's friend gave us a 20L tank. It's been a month now, and I have it cycled, after seeding it with some bacteria.

Currently I have:

1. 2 Gold Barbs
2. 2 Bloodfin Tetras
3. 3 Zebra Danios
4. 1 Blue Gourami
5. 1 Neon Tetra

Today I just purchased:

1. 4 Neon Tetras
2. 1 Bushynose Pleco

Anyway, I was thinking of adding some wood as well as getting some live plants. What kind of considerations should go into a decision like this?

 

[Reddog80p]

I say go for it. Make sure you get aquarium wood stay away from soft woods like Grapevine used in reptile tanks. What kind of lighting do you have? Be sure to buy aquatic plants some chain stores sell plants that are not truly aquatic and will rot underwater in time.

 

[LesbianChap]

You sure it's a 20L? That's only like a 5 gallon tank...all those fish in a little 5G and you'd think they wouldn't have room to open their gills.

 

[Reddog80p]

I think the op means 20 Long, I hope they do LOL.

 

[LesbianChap]

That would make more sense...never know on a global board, some people use metrics, some use imperial.

With wood, I'd boil it either way...gets some of the tannins out and you know you've got it sterilized...Scrub it with a stiff brush to pull off any loose material on the wood, and only use hard woods...soft woods like pine are no good.

With plants the only consideration is lighting (WPG and spectrum)...you need at least a 20 watt light, preferable closer to 40 watt...I know walmart sells a 75W 24" shoplight (actual fixture is a bit longer) with a growlight bulb that works well over my 29G tank, may be a little strong if your's is a 20 Long.

 

[Cory Keeper]

good idea on the wood, plecs like wood. mine will munch on wood for hours.

 

[DAVIDFBT]

I know walmart sells a 75W 24" shoplight

I'm sure it's one of those light bulbs that say "75 watt output with only 20 watts of power" with fluorescents, the actual wattage should be counted. I have 2 of those same ones.

 

[spunjin]

I have a small set of branchy manzanita if you like the style. Check the thread.

 

[Aptos]

Thank a lot for you input guys. I think I'll pick up some wood from my local fish store.

Bad news though, I think one of my fish ate one of the brand new neon tetras; he's nowhere to be found.

P.S.: By 20L I mean 20 Gallon Long.

 

[SubluxT7]

Blue Gourami's can be aggressive so watch out with him. If you continue to "miss" fish it is possible he ate them and you may need to bring him back or rehome him in another tank. There are other kinds of gouramis that are less agressive (Pearl is one if I remember). Good luck with your tank!

SubluxT7:headbang2: