Newcomer: 20 Gal Fresh-, cold-water tank

[kusojijii]

Do I need a cover for my fish tank?

it will keep the water from evaporating as fast and any fish that don't like you from commiting suicide...

I Kid.

Dude, you live in Cali, check craigslist for cheapa$$ aquarium stuff, the listings there are huge...

 

[albirdy]

Very true! I never thought about craig's list.

Thanks so much!

Do you know of any other legit online stores?
I bought my power filter from www.valuepetsupplies.com they were the cheapest (29$ for a Aqua Clear 50 (200)) with free shipping (for that item only). I went to Petco today, and found the same filter for 50 bucks.

it will keep the water from evaporating as fast and any fish that don't like you from commiting suicide...

I Kid.

Dude, you live in Cali, check craigslist for cheapa$$ aquarium stuff, the listings there are huge...

 

[FSM]

You can get them even cheaper other places. Drsfostersmith.com or bigalsonline.com are good. you can also get good deals from petsmart by printing out their online prices which they will match in-store.

 

[beno]

I've used bigalsonline plenty of times. They're pretty good.

 

[albirdy]

Awesome. Thanks a lot for the recommendation and the confirmation.

NOW: I am attempting to look more closely into the planting process.

Thoughts: Trying to buy a light. How many WPG (or whatever) do I need?
Since I have a 20 gal freshwater tank, how many watts do I want to handle med- to high-light plants?

What kind of light, also? Compact fluorescent?

So I got lights, substrate, air filter. Anything else I need?
What's a good substrate, by the way.

 

[beno]

Awesome. Thanks a lot for the recommendation and the confirmation.

NOW: I am attempting to look more closely into the planting process.

Thoughts: Trying to buy a light. How many WPG (or whatever) do I need?
Since I have a 20 gal freshwater tank, how many watts do I want to handle med- to high-light plants?

What kind of light, also? Compact fluorescent?

So I got lights, substrate, air filter. Anything else I need?
What's a good substrate, by the way.

2-3 watts per gallon is a general rule of thumb, so a 40-60 watt light is good. I'm not an expert on lighting but anything should be fine as long as it's 2-3 watts per gallon. It's mostly personal taste. I've even heard of people using household lamps. Although an aquarium rated lamp is probably better.

By air filter do you mean a filter or a air pump?

I have super-special plant really fine gravel one of my tanks. But in my other the regular fine gravel is good. You could also use sand.

 

[albirdy]

2-3 watts per gallon is a general rule of thumb, so a 40-60 watt light is good. I'm not an expert on lighting but anything should be fine as long as it's 2-3 watts per gallon. It's mostly personal taste. I've even heard of people using household lamps. Although an aquarium rated lamp is probably better.

By air filter do you mean a filter or a air pump?

I have super-special plant really fine gravel one of my tanks. But in my other the regular fine gravel is good. You could also use sand.

I see. So a light is not necessarily essential. I have a lampstand over my tank for the time being. You think it would be cool to keep that, until I see the growth of my plants stagnate?

I mean: do I still need an air pump (known by me as a bubble maker, haha), even though I have a water filter? If so, what is a really quiet one, you might recommend?


I am using beach sand right now. Someone told me they lack nutrients, but are good for creating roots. Do I need another substrate to compensate for the lack of nutrients? I really want my plants to grow!

 

[Stormfire]

I mean: do I still need an air pump (known by me as a bubble maker, haha), even though I have a water filter? If so, what is a really quiet one, you might recommend?


I am using beach sand right now. Someone told me they lack nutrients, but are good for creating roots. Do I need another substrate to compensate for the lack of nutrients? I really want my plants to grow!

You don't need an air pump, but it'll be a plus for your fish if you do. And they do look pretty nice in a tank.

I never kept a planted tank so I'm really not sure. Keep in mind that some fish like to nip on plants or dig them up, though.

 

[beno]

The air pump will however, take CO2 out of the water. CO2 is great for your plants and your plants should generate enough oxygen that you don't need one. I wouldn't get one unless your fish are constantly gasping for air, even after a waterchange.