On 6 Feb 2005 01:25:16 -0800, "Lewis Lang" wrote:

Hi. I want to set up a nice 20 gallon. What is the rule regarding how
many fishes I should keep in the tank? Are there any differences
pros/cons between a regular 20 and a 20-long? What else will I need? Is
the hood with light required? What power filter would I need? Combos of
fish that cannot stay together (I know about bettas)? Can any tropicals
live with goldfish? Any other advice?

Thanks,

Lewis

Hi,

typically with tropicals the rule of thumb is/has been 1" of fish per
gallon, bearing in mind that little fish may get big, thus taking up
more of your precious space as they grow. The difference in long or
short depends on the fish you keep, and at which part of the water
strata they occupy. Some swim near the botton, some the middle layer,
and some the top. research or look at any demo tanks at your local
store.

A hood with a light is recommended, as fish need a light pattern
similar to nature. The hood or canopy also will help keep polutants
out, such as dust or unwanted cat paws.

For a 20 gallon tank, again depending on the fish, you can get away
with an AquaClear 200 or a whisper 200, but filtration is never
wasted, more is good. Goldfish poop a lot, so make lots of waste,
thus better filtration should be given.

Cichlids cannot live with tropical, as they may eat them. Water
conditions and temperment guide the fish grouping. goldfish need cold
water, tropicals need, well tropical or warmer water, so not a good
mix there.

Angel fish or discus are very sensitive to water conditions, as far as
temperature and cleansliness.

I would suggest that for a start, stick to danios (for speed and
schooling), neon tetra, rasboras, barbs, a chinese algae eater, maybe
an albino cory (catfish) and whatever you do do not get a common pleco
(algae eater, botton feeder). They will grow beyond your tank, and
make a bloody mess. if you are stuck on these guys, get a bristlenose
pleco.

Hope this helps, it is just my 2 cents worth!

Paul