just a normal H.o.b filter for 20 gallons and i already got the 6 neon tetras they look like there doing good so far and i will be adding 2 blue rams and 3 otos maybe a female dwarf gourami not sure though and as far as planting the tank i would love to do that but i wouldnt even know where to start and i'll change my gravel but isnt there alot of beneficial bacteria there?