Newcomer: 20 Gal Fresh-, cold-water tank

[albirdy]

I just got started with this aquarium deal. I have a 20 gallon fresh-/cold-water tank. I set it up a few hours ago: sandy bottom (from the local beach), and drift wood (also from the local beach). I threw in a couple of feeder fish in there for time being to test it out. All seems well so far.

I plan on getting plants and fish tomorrow. Any suggestions?

In terms of plants, I want plants that will grow in med/low light that will rapidly (preferred) cover the ground.

I want fish that will complement its (hopefully) green surroundings.

I looked into Bala shark, but realized it may be too big for my 20 gallon. I want diverse fish. Some to clean, some to look good, some to active. I also plan on getting several ghost shrimp tomorrow.

Lay it on me.

Thanks so much!

 

[ceeej31]

white cloud mountain minnows are nice

 

[FSM]

You need to cycle the tank before you add too many fish, or they will die.

 

[albirdy]

I've seen this around, but what does it mean to cycle the tank?

 

[albirdy]

Thank you for the suggestion!

 

[unstopable4700]

google nitrates

 

[silverdragon]

I hope you washed your sand substrate and driftwood considering it came from the beach. Check this site out, it gives you a step by step in to how and why to cycle your tank. http://www.bluecrayfish.com/cycle.htm

 

[albirdy]

How do you measure ammonia and nitrite spikes/zeros?

 

[albirdy]

nevermind! i asked the question before i finished reading that link you posted

How much are these materials though? testers, and ammonia, etc.

 

[silverdragon]

Well im not sure how much they are in your area, but in Australia you can get a master test kit which tests for ammonia, ph, nitrates and nitrites for around $50 bux.