Setting Up a 20 Gallon Long

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
N

nickag9

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Dec 9, 2009
81
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Cincinnati, OH
Hey guys,

I'm still somewhat new to the site and tomorrow I will finally be setting up my first tank. The tank will be a 20 gallon long and while it's not a huge tank, we all have to start somewhere. I haven't decided what kind of fish I'm going to stock it with yet but right now I'm leaning towards a few smaller native species. Anyway, I wanted to get some input on the cycling process and some opinions on filtration before I went out and bought any fish. When it comes to the best filters I'm still pretty lost and since this is my first real aquarium (goldfish bowls don't count) I want to make sure I take my time and do this right. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, Thanks!

- Nick
 
The best/cheapest/easiest filtration setup I have found on my 20g longs is dual AquaClear 50's or dual AquaClear 70's. That tank shape really benefits from having a filter at each end to keep everything consistent & avoid dead spots. Also keeps the temperature more stable in that small shallow tank.
 
2 filters is good advice, and they're pretty cheap. You don't have to get both at the same time though, if money is a little tight. Pick up one, cycle, put in your first few fish, then add a 2nd, wait a week or so and add your next fish.
 
Ok great. Thanks for the input. I'll be heading to Petsmart later tonight so I just might pick up a pair of AC filters. What kind of maintenance would be expected with these filters? Also, any ideas on background or decor? I'm going to buy the smaller "river rock" style gravel but I definitely don't want an empty tank. How hard is it to maintain live plants? Thanks again for the input!
 
Plants work well in 20longs. Its very shallow, so you need at least a twin tube light to cover the bottom, unless you wanna get creative.... River rock works great for many fish, but what are you stocking the tank with? Get some Mopani wood while you're there.
 
I'm looking at some small native species right now but haven't made any decisions just yet. I want to get the tank setup, decorated and cycled before I add any fish. I just want to make sure I cover all my bases before I jump head first into this. Now, for live plants is there anything else I need besides good lighting?
 
On a 20 long you really don't even need to upgrade your light fixture. I kept live plants for a long time with just a daylight bulb in the light that came with my tank.

Some people will tell you to fertilize and/or add a C02 system. Your plants will grow faster if you do all that (which really just means you have to trim them more often), but they'll grow just fine with a regular light in my experience.
 
I had to upgrade my light, but mostly because the single tube only put out a narrow band of light (cheapo reflector). You can always try the original fixture first & upgrade if you need to.
 
Ok, new question. I picked up the stand and the tank last night and the stand has some nice oak trim attatched to the top. It looks great but given that the 20 long is only a foot or so deep I don't exactly like the bottom inch and a half of the tank hidden by the trim. What would be the best way to "lift" the tank up an inch or so? Should I buy some 1" plywood and cut it to fit or will a piece of 1" foam do the trick? Thanks again for all the help. Hopefully I'll have the tank filled up and cycling tonight!
 
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