Setup and adding Fish NEED HELP

[Earthswater]

Hello, i just got a Aqueon 20 gallon fish kit, came with filter, heater, ect.
I am a a relatively experienced fish keeper, have been keeping tetras and other small fish in a 5 gallon tank on and off for the past 2 years.
I have quickrete play sand as the substrate, (its sand not concrete), and some plastic plants.

In my 5 gal tank i now have a cory and a danio both younger that 1 month

I am cycling through my new tank and in a few days i want to get fish, What Kind??
I was thinking maybe an anglefishs, cichlids (maybe), ples and some other bigger fish. I have 2 20 gallon filters in the tank right now cycling threw, along with a 100 watt heater soon to add another. I also want to eventually merge the fish from my smaller 5 gallon tank into the bigger one (is this possible) not to attached to the danio so... but would like to keep the cory. Also any tips for care, changes to the tank, need anymore info??? Thanks a ton

 

[fishmamma]

I have 2 20 gallon filters in the tank right now cycling threw, along with a 100 watt heater soon to add another.

Why, just curious are you using two filters? I really don't think you need them.. but don't see a lot of harm coming out of it... But take into consideration that you'll have a lot of flow in the tank, and that is something you need to consider when choosing your fish.. and I'm sure you can go without another heater.. is the 100watt heater rated for a 20g? I don't pay attention to wattage, just what it's rated for..

I also want to eventually merge the fish from my smaller 5 gallon tank into the bigger one (is this possible)

Sure, depending on your new stock. .. but probably won't be a major problem.

And I really don't know what to suggest, you'd have to be more specific.. on characteristics.. color.. aggression.. stuff like that... but there are so many options with a 20g imo.

 

[Earthswater]

ok, i don't need to put in both filters, i was just stating that i think that it might have been good to have more filtration, but i don't know much. And i want anglefish with some other fish, very colorful, active and easy fish. I am asking for your opinion/sugestion so fire away!!! Thank you for all your answers, all feedback is appreciated. So tell me what to do.

 

[Earthswater]

bump

 

[Toby_H]

Completely ignore the "up to XX gal tank" rating on any filter. All filter manufacturers exagerate abotu the potential of their filters.

Ity is VERY unlikely that your two "20 gal filters" will create too much water flow for the fish you wish to keep in your 20 gal tank.


One 100W heater is plenty for a 20 gal tank. We commonly heat suggestions of 2~5W per gal and one 100W heater gives you 5W per gal which is the top of the suggested range. Adding another ehater only increases the potential for dissaster due to heater failure (getting stuck on).


You said "cycling through my new tank and in a few days i want to get fish". The term "cycle" refers to the Nitrogen Cycle. This is a process of developing bacteria that consume ammonia. By reading your post I doubt this is what you are doing, but it is what you should be doing. I suggest you google the term "nitrogen cycle" and get some guidance on how to actually "cycle" your tank.


As for what type/species of fish to get, my only suggestion is to determine the fish's needs before you purchaes them. Also be cautious where you get yoru information from. Places like big box stores are eager to give you bad advice that lures you into spending money in their stores. Add the term "profile" or the term "care" to the name of any fish you are interested in and google that term (example, google: goldfish profile; or: goldfish care).

Read through a few sites suggestions and formulate an 'average' range of suggested care and work from there.

 

[Dissy]

You said you wanted to get some "cichlids".. There really aren't many cichlids out there that are suitable for a 20 gallon tank long term. And, there are only a few that won't tear angels to shreds. Even angels need a larger tank, as well... You also need to find out what's compatible with your current fish.

I had 3 juvenile convict cichlids in a 20 gallon tank when they were only about 1.5" long, and they weren't happy...

 

[kwells]

Look at the needs of each fish you are thinking about getting, considering what their fully grown size will be. Don't overstock your tank. Think about getting some plants and a healthy substrate for the plants to grow into. They will help control algae and keep your water clean too.

 

[JamesF]

Skip the angel. A 20 is way too small for them.
Even dwarf cichlids will feel cramped in there. Fish need space for territory, not just a physical space.

 

[Jc1119]

It is my experience that angels grow very quickly as well. Most cichlids will quickly outgrow a 20. Honestly, I'd stick with species that stayed relatively small unless you think you may upgrade in the future. If you know you want the danio and Cory to move into your 20 I'd move both and do a small school of each. They will be much happier, more active and would make a nice display.

If you're really interested in cichlids, check out craigslist for a used 55. Pretty cheap and it would give you more room for options

 

[jschall]

Initial setup:
In order to prevent your fish dying or being damaged by ammonia/nitrite poison, you want to establish beneficial bacteria in the tank before adding fish. There are a couple of ways to do this:
1. Run the tank with water, filter and heater for about 6 weeks while dosing an appropriate amount of ammonia. 10% ammonia solution that is free of surfactants can be found at ACE hardware. An appropriate amount of 10% in 20 gallons is going to be about 5ml initially and then 1ml every week. After 1 week, you should start getting nitrites, then once they're gone in about 3-5 weeks you're good to add fish.

2. Seachem stability is a well-reviewed denitrifying bacteria-in-a-bottle product. It would be best to use it to speed the above (#1) process, but you can also add a light fish load and use the stability.

3. Just start off with fish, but a VERY light bioload. Live plants will help somewhat, especially if the tank is densely planted.

A word on live plants:
Everyone can tell that your plants are plastic, and I've very rarely seen them used in a way that makes the tank look better than if it were bare.
Live plants are good. They help to introduce beneficial bacteria to the tank, and they uptake nutrients (including ammonia and nitrite) themselves. There are some very easy ones to care for:
Anubias on driftwood. Cool effect and about the easiest plant to grow.
Valisneria. Very easy plant. Kinda like long grass. Cool looking if you plant at the side of your aquarium and allow to grow to the surface.
Wisteria. Pretty easy, likes nutrients, good cycling plant, can float or be planted.
Anacharis. Some people have great luck, some people don't seem to. They're pretty easy.
Aponogeton bulbs. Sold at walmart. Pretty easy.

Most of the above plants won't require anything beyond normal fluorescents and whatever fertilizing the fish food gives them. Although, adding something like seachem flourish is good, too.

Stocking:
Angels and most cichlids will outgrow a 20g, but there are some cichlid options: http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/cookie_cutter_20g.php

There are a lot of options. Mostly use your judgement, an active fish that gets more than 4-6" long is not going to work in a 12" wide aquarium. The smallest species of bichirs (senegal and albino senegal) may work because they're less active.

You can also do cories (always loved them), cardinals, tiger barbs, and any of the various other small schooling fish.
If you do cories, I would recommend a larger number (12+) of a dwarf variety such as Corydoras habrosus.
A couple siamese algae eaters would be good, along with amano shrimp and otos.