New tank questions

[Limming]

I am getting a 20 gallon and am planning on 6 or 7 neon tetra and 6 or 7 cory cats. Does anyone have suggestions about how to set up the tank? I want a planted tank and am wondering if this is a good idea for a first tank and if so what kind of plants should I use? Also I understand cycling and basic set up but when should I plant the tank.

[Bolsen27]

What equipment do you have or plan on getting for you tank? The equipment you have will play a major role in what plants you can grow. My first tank was a 20 gal in which we added live plants.

I would get 2 HOB filters, like AC50's. also getting a good substrate for plants can help a lot. Spend sometime researching lighting for planted tanks.

[SueD]

I think one AC50 would do it for a 20 gal. especially with the light stocking level you propose. If these are the only two species you decide to have for this tank, you could have about 15 neons and the 6 or 7 cories.

You can also plant right away as the cycling should not hurt the plants. What you plant will depend on the lighting and substrate you choose.

[Limming]

Any idea what substrate would be best? I was thinking small gravel because of the corys but I'm not sure how well that would work with plants.

[Bolsen27]

We use a black substrate we bought from aquariumplants.com it's called aquadurt.com planted substrate we got it in the black diamond color. We love it

[Limming]

I got small gravel for my substrate because its what my LFS had in my price range. Any ideas for easy plants that would be suitable for gravel? The tank will be stocked with tetras and cory cats to begin with.

[ijankrom]

I would get 2 HOB filters, like AC50's.

Whoa! Over kill. Just 1 AC50 will be fine. Rated for 30-50 gal tank.