20 Gallon Aquarium Setup For Home

"NetMax" wrote in message news:...
"Lewis Lang" wrote in message
oups.com...
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


You should be aware that depending on the detail level, a long time can
be spent in getting answers to all those questions.

Can I suggest the following sequence:
1) Start with the knowledge of 1000s at your fingertips with the FAQ.
http://faq.thekrib.com/begin.html

2) Familiarize yourself with the local fish stores (LFS) but beware
that they are reputed to be able to give out very bad advice. The
purpose of your visit is to narrow your fish choices down a bit (small
fast fish, just a few regal fish, going for personality - colours -
activity level etc).

3) Establish if your home water supply is at any extreme which would
cause you to avoid certain types of fish (always easier to match your
fish to your water, than the other way around).

Then come back with your water parameters and some of the fish which
caught your eye and we will be in a much better position to provide
semi-intelligent advice.

For some of your general questions:
In regards to 20 long vs 20 tall, look at the shape of the fish. For
example, a Comet would prefer the 20 long, while a Ryukin would prefer
the 20 tall (generally speaking of course). You would be ill-advised
to mix any combination of tropical, marine, brackish or coldwater
fishes, so Goldfish do not mix well with tropicals. It's not
impossible but it's not recommended as an easy introduction to the
hobby. Aquarium lights are for you and any live plants, as fish get by
fine with indirect window lighting. It does make it easier to see them
though ;~).
--
www.NetMax.tk


argh, my answer was directed to
rec.photo.digital;rec.photo.equipment.35mm
--
www.NetMax.tk