Need Suggestions for New Freshwater Tank (20 Gallons)

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jasonfishy

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Apr 29, 2008
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New Jersey, USA
I have a 20 gallon tank (24"x13"x17") up and running but have had trouble keeping fish in it. I am brand new to keeping aquariums and have had many fish suffer through ick and dying even after using medication. One fighter has lived through it all, my Black Ghost Knife Fish and seems to be perfectly fine, however he is all alone. I was planning on introducing live plants because I hear it regulates the Nitrite cycle and cleans leftover food and fish feces in substrate.

Live Plant (Plan):
I was taking a look at the species Vallisneria spiralis. If anyone has experience with this plant and would like to give me any suggestions on lighting, size of substrate, techniques of planting, and care, I would really appreciate it because I really don't exactly know how to take care of a plant yet though I have heard it can be easy.

New Fish to add excluding current BGK (Plan):
2 Golden Gouramis
4 Rosy Barbs
1 Kribensis Cichlid

Would these fish get along with my current fish? I know a 20 gallon isn't HUGE but I thought I could set up a proper environment if i added the Vallisneria plant and added rocks and a piece of driftwood, currently I have a fake plant and 2 broke pots for hiding spaces, but might replace them for more natural decor.

These fish, from what I have researched, all seem like hardy fish, and I was wondering if there was any special care necessary for these fish. I would really appreciate any suggestions because I am fairly new to fishkeeping.

(Also about my Ghost Knife, I have observed it recently as it hides in the pot and it seems like it has been lying on its side but when it becomes night it becomes more active, does this lying down indicate some kind of sickness or fatigue because it did not used to do this. Thanks!)


Thanks a lot.

Jason
 
Hello and welcome; I have vals, and they're one of the easiest plants along with Annubias IMO regarding care. Mine did well in both sand and gravel substrates. They even thrived in my outdoor gold fish pond even though they're supposed to be tropical plants. The more light they have, the faster they grow. Only thing with them is they won't last long with herbivous fish. the ones in my 30 are pretty much gone i think from being eaten by the convicts. You shoud also try the annubias as they're also pretty easy tolerate low light conditions and don't have too much to worry about from herbivorous fish.

Because you're tank recently had ich, I would be cautious to introducing a bunch of fish all of a sudden, try doing it gradually, keep salt handy teaspoon per 10 gallons, helps to control ich, keep your water around 82 degrees, and think your ghost knife may just be resting, although i don't have experience with that fish.

Also, a bottle of commercial water plant fertilizers is always good, dose after water change, and let the plants get settled before putting any fish in.

Good luck.
 
Is that the biggest tank you can have? I started the same way sooo many years ago, and had roughly the same problems. I found that when changing the water make sure the temp is the same as the water you took out. 82 deg is a good temp as this will reduce the outbreaks of the ick virus. Ick is common in all fresh water and all the fish has to do is get stressed for it to appear. Also did you know that the ghost knife wil get really big? A 20 gal is going to be way to small for it!
The reason I ask about the size tank is that the bigger the tank you have the better off you'll be as far as upsets.
Also with plants start off with low light plants, Vals need alot of light to grow well. Try some Anubias or java fern you dont need any special type substrate or light for the java fern they will grow on drift wood or you can put them right into the gravel as well.
 
kribs are among the more peaceful cichlids, but it is a good idea to keep an eye on aggression especially if they are in pairs or with slow long-finned fish. I would also look into a bigger tank for the knife at some point
 
a bgk will get way too big u should have put an african knife in
 
i like rosy barbs but they may nip at your knife
 
my wife keeps a bgk with rost barbs, and there haven't been any nipping problems on the barb's part
 
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