Starting a 20gal tank with kids

[id10t]

Start with 3-4 male guppies. Wait a week, add 4-5 of one of the smaller cory species. Wait a week, add 5-6 of one of the smaller tetra species. At some point, add some sort of shrimp - I'd do 10 or so ghost shrimp, but my LFS has 'em 10 for a dollar as feeders.

 

[Kasakato]

Start with 3-4 male guppies. Wait a week, add 4-5 of one of the smaller cory species. Wait a week, add 5-6 of one of the smaller tetra species. At some point, add some sort of shrimp - I'd do 10 or so ghost shrimp, but my LFS has 'em 10 for a dollar as feeders.

But still, cycle first.

 

[nandopsis]

i would go for 2 corydoras nandopsis

 

[wilson]

Remember to cycle you tank. You coudl do it faster with biospira or you can use the fishless cyclying technique, which will work well. If you don't, your fish will probably die.

Does it help in encouraging the bacteria grow or is it bacteria itself ?

I'm on the verge of starting a 20g tank myself, great advice in this thread. Looking forward to setup my tank soon. Thanks all !

 

[Kasakato]

Its bacteria it self. Its the real bacteria that the fish need.

 

[slgunnel]

Thanks to everyone for all the great advise and suggestions. Hopefully this will help others out there with the same question. There is so much information on the do's and dont's, but putting it all together to start is a bit overwhelming. It was to me anyways... I guess that's a good sign that I've been reading a lot though (which is a good thing.) I've read all the sticky's on cycling and so on. I'm ready to start checking out the pet stores and see what's available in my area and check the stores out in general. Again, thanks to everyone for the help!!

Shannon

 

[iamgroovy]

Best of luck to you Shannon! Keep us posted on your progress!

 

[slgunnel]

Will do! I'm thinking of 5-6 Tetras and a Dwarf Frog to start out with, and then in a few weeks adding a few more fish after some more research. Thanks again to all!

 

[slgunnel]

Well - it's been about 3 weeks now with 6 Neon Tetras and 1 African Dwarf Frog. They are all happy and enjoying life. I'm doing a 20-25% water change every week, and change out the filter every 2 weeks. I still haven't decided on what I'll add next, but wanted to let everyone know that the tank is doing great right now. Taking the proper steps to ensure a happy home has worked out great. Any suggestions to some more fish added is always welcomed.