[Rayston]

Tank setup and Plant Suggestions? 20 Gallon Tank Mostly Invertebrates.

I plan on doing the following for a 20 Gallon Tank.

8 White cloud Minnows

1 Mystery Snail

6 Nerite Snails

5 Cherry Shrimp

This is going to be a Planted tank. I will be establishing the plants first before I add the above non-plant denizens.

So I have a few questions.

1. What type of plants should I be looking at?
2. Should I consider C02? Or no?
3. Fertilizer/Substrate suggestions (this might depend a lot on the answers to Question #1)
4. Specific Tank/Filter/Lighting Suggestions?
5. Should I add the non-plant Denizens above in any particuilar order? I was thinking Shrimp-->Snails-->Minnows

 

[hoppycalif]

You have at least 3 choices for how to do the tank: You could use the El Natural method - see the forum here for El Natural. You could do a "hi tech" tank, meaning one with high intensity lighting, pressurized CO2, non-limiting fertilizing, and a inert substrate. You could use low to moderate intensity lighting, with either inert or nutrient rich substrate, and either DIY CO2 or no CO2. "Hi tech" requires the most expenses, the most work, and the best tank maintenance. El Natural requires the least expenses, the least work, and least rigidity in tank maintenance. Which would you like to try?

 

[Michael]

Excellent advice from Hoppy, as usual.

 

[DutchMuch]

lol i love your stock list, its understocked (not a problem) if anything

i wish everyone's stock list was like this but generally people seem to want to FILL their tank to the rim with inhabitants lol.

I appreciate you having a proper stock list on the first go, awesome job.

as for your questions, hoppy did a splendid job in answering them.

 

[Rayston]

Re: Tank setup and Plant Suggestions? 20 Gallon Tank Mostly Invertebrates.

Thanks Hoppy.

I think the middle ground way makes the most sense.

Moderate Lighting , Nutrient Rich Substrate, DIY C02

I like low maintenance in general but am willing to do some and this seems like a good sweet spot.

Any suggestions on plants for this level?

 

[Michael]

Go to the Plant Finder in the dark blue bar at the top of the page. Under "Hardiness" select easy or very easy, and this will show you a list of plants with small photos. Click on any for details.

 

[WilliamBowman]

I would recommend the aqua clear 110 filter. It is easy to install and use. It also has a patented filtration system that allows me to control the flow rate of water without compromising the efficiency of the filtration process.

 

[WilliamBowman]

If you are still wondering, you can refer to this article. It will help you

 

[Iggy8194]

Re: Tank setup and Plant Suggestions? 20 Gallon Tank Mostly Invertebrates.

DIY CO2 , please do your research before you end up with a yeast explosion in your bedroom. Only saying from experience lol, 2 liters can only take so much. Java fern, Anubias, most mosses fairly easy to care for and do ok without a ton of light. Plus you won't have near as much trimming. I've had mixed luck with shrimp, just have to stay on top of things should be ok, drip acclimating seemed to work the best for me, they can be picky little buggers. Though I've had some that seemed invincible. Talk to your supplier and see what conditions they've come from. Good luck, hope to see photos soon!

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