20 Gallon Setup Help

[KShoes]

Hi guys, new to the forums. I just recently became interested in this hobby and I just wanted some opinions on my tank setup route.

Right now I've bought the Top Fin 20 Gallon Starter Kit.

In terms of hardware, it includes:
Standard sized 20 Gallon Tank
100W Heater
TopFin 20 gallon rated filter
FLuorescent hood with 1 bulb (17Watt??)
4" net
thermometer

I went ahead and bought a 20 gallon rated TopFin air pump.

In terms of cycling, I wanted to try the fishless cycle route. I've read Ace Ammonia is a good product to initiate the cycle. Does anyone know a better product to use? And any recommendations on some good test kits for ammonia/nitrite/nitrate (ph/hardness too if you know one)?

For decorations, so far I've decided on some java ferns, anubia nanas, and one or two natural driftwood. I'm currently also considering amazon swords and water wisteria. I'm not sure if the light source that came with the kit is sufficient.

For substrate, I'm aiming for eco complete substrate. I may go for a layer of gravel on top as I read the eco complete isn't too strong in holding down some water plants.

My last question is, of course, fish stocking. I want to get in a variety of fish without overstocking the tank. Right now my goal is:

4 Tetra Neons
4 White Clouds
3 Julii Cory Cats

Is that pushing the limit? If I can, I want to add 2 dwarf gouramis or 1 female betta on top.
Recommendations on tweaking any of the above info or adding onto it is welcome. Sorry for the long essay!

[mommy1]

Hi guys, new to the forums. I just recently became interested in this hobby and I just wanted some opinions on my tank setup route.

Right now I've bought the Top Fin 20 Gallon Starter Kit.

In terms of hardware, it includes:
Standard sized 20 Gallon Tank
100W Heater
TopFin 20 gallon rated filter
you will want to change this filter, top fins are not very good. most here recommend the aquaclear brand. also you will want to get a filter that is rated for a tank twice the size you have. so for a 20g you will want to get a filter that is rated for a 40g tank.
FLuorescent hood with 1 bulb (17Watt??)
4" net
thermometer

I went ahead and bought a 20 gallon rated TopFin air pump.

In terms of cycling, I wanted to try the fishless cycle route. I've read Ace Ammonia is a good product to initiate the cycle. Does anyone know a better product to use? And any recommendations on some good test kits for ammonia/nitrite/nitrate (ph/hardness too if you know one)?
any brand of ammonia will work. but you want to make sure the only ingredients are ammonia and water. no soaps or fragrances.

For decorations, so far I've decided on some java ferns, anubia nanas, and one or two natural driftwood. I'm currently also considering amazon swords and water wisteria. I'm not sure if the light source that came with the kit is sufficient.

For substrate, I'm aiming for eco complete substrate. I may go for a layer of gravel on top as I read the eco complete isn't too strong in holding down some water plants.

My last question is, of course, fish stocking. I want to get in a variety of fish without overstocking the tank. Right now my goal is:

4 Tetra Neons
4 White Clouds
3 Julii Cory Cats
you will want to get at least 6 each of each of these fish. they are schooling fish and are more comfortable in numbers of 5+

Is that pushing the limit? If I can, I want to add 2 dwarf gouramis or 1 female betta on top.
Recommendations on tweaking any of the above info or adding onto it is welcome. Sorry for the long essay!

welcome to the forum

[robnepper]

I would have to agree. Getting a higher number of each type of those fish would be a good idea. Also, if your tank is a twenty gallon it's probably 24 inches long and the bulb is probably 18". Most 18" bulbs are 15 watts, period. So you're under 1 watt per gallon. Great for the Javas and Anubias, but I am not sure about the swords.

[Amazon]

i would have 5-6 of each fish you mentioned. I think you could try to make that filter better by buying your own media. Or you can get the Aqua clear as suggested above. Or you can get another filter rated for a 20 gallon so that you have to filters. The added filtration will allow you to stock more also I highly recommend heavily planting your tank to suck up some of the bad stuff.

[KShoes]

Thanks for the great advice. I will look into upgrading the filter. I'm not sure about the lighting. I will probably have to hit up home depot or walmart to see the lighting there.

Five of each fish might overstock the tank? If I can do that, it would be great. But I was trying to stick to the 1" per gallon. I believe all 3 types are 2" as adults leaving me at 22" in my 20 gallon with my current goal. I've also thought about switching out the white clouds for more neon tetras and a betta or gourami.