New 20 Gallon Tank: Suggestions for Filter Selection
- Thread starter Moby2BettaBuddy
- Start date
Looks good, just needs a background IMO. I like solid black backgrounds myself. BTW if you plant heavily to start with (and maybe even steal some gravel or filter media from your established tank for good measure) you can add fish right away. It called a silent cycle, just don't add too many fish at once.
Just to clarify, plant heavy as in pack the tank with fast growing plants. Even if they aren't plants you will keep long term.
Just to clarify, plant heavy as in pack the tank with fast growing plants. Even if they aren't plants you will keep long term.
Hi again,Well, I have fallen to the notorious MTS (Multiple Tank Syndrome!) Have enjoyed my 3 gallon for my Betta for several months now and have my second (20 gallon) tank set up. Photo attached.
Another fish friend suggesting adding a couple of inexpensive gold fish to the 20 gallon the finish off the cycling (NH3/4=0, NO2=1, NO3=5, 72 degrees) My plan was to return them to my LFS after the tank finished cycling, but the wife really likes them. Hmmm.
I have a small HOB and canister filter (100GPH), heater and bubble aeration going. Now thinking we might keep the goldies.
Questions:
1. I've read that the cheap goldfish will grow up to a foot long. So 2 x 12 inches=24 inches, so my 20 gallon seems a bit small for them when they grow to maturity even with two types of filtration going. Agreed?
2. If we do keep them, are there any other fish we can add safely with them? I've read that they will eat anything they can fit into their mouths, and there are also issues with water temp compatibility with tropicals. However, I've read that a bristlenose Pleco (larger one) and possibly a small school (5) of White Cloud Minnows might be compatible? Again, concerned about bioload in the 20 gallon tank, temp compatibility and smaller fish becoming a snack for the goldfish. Thoughts?
Thanks. I really appreciate your thoughts and comments!
Randy/Folsom, CA
do not take this the wrong way, but the inch per gallon rule is pretty bogus; for an example a 12" goldfish will have far greater needs than 12 1" neon tetras.
someone with more knowledge than I will make suitable tank suggestions, I am sure... but a 20g tank will not be big enough for long.. also note differing water conditions if you should insist on adding more fish.
someone with more knowledge than I will make suitable tank suggestions, I am sure... but a 20g tank will not be big enough for long.. also note differing water conditions if you should insist on adding more fish.
