New tank questions

**CONE_YAK** · 11-13-2012, 06:22 PM

Alot of good info here. This is my first experience with live plants and (knock on wood) all is going well. I just used the small gravel and it works well. I have 6 swords and a couple of Java Ferns. The plants are the easiest part so far but I may need to upgrade lighting just to be on the safe side.

**givemean_a** · 11-13-2012, 06:55 PM

I realize that some people think that 2 HOB's is overkill. Since I've added my 2nd filter I've been thrilled w/ my water quality and the clarity. If you can add a 2nd filter definitely do it.

What kind of cories would you be looking at?

**Goes to 11!** · 11-13-2012, 07:01 PM

I realize that some people think that 2 HOB's is overkill. Since I've added my 2nd filter I've been thrilled w/ my water quality and the clarity

Clarity has nothing to do with your water quality and achieving clear water doesn't require 2 AC 50s on a 20g.

An AC50 is perfectly acceptable for a 20g tank IMO as long as it is not heavily stocked, If you want some extra filtration get a sponge filter. It's so quick/easy to do WC that wasting the power for minimal gains considering the stock likely to be kept in a 20 doesn't seem worth it to me.
YMMV

What kind of cories would you be looking at?

IMO going with a dwarf variety [C. Habrosus or C. Pygmaeus] would be fine although I agree that larger types are not suitable for a 20g tank.

**imma24** · 11-13-2012, 08:01 PM

Originally Posted by 850R

Clarity has nothing to do with your water quality and achieving clear water doesn't require 2 AC 50s on a 20g.

True, true, true

Having "crystal clear water" doesn't mean your parameters are good - it just means there's nothing floating in it that you can see.

**givemean_a** · 11-13-2012, 08:54 PM

I understand that water clarity has nothing to do with water parameters which is why I said my parameters were good first, master test kit tested and all. Water clarity was an added bonus in my book.

**Goes to 11!** · 11-13-2012, 09:26 PM

Good to hear, Just pointing it out for the benefit of people that do not have that understanding.

**Limming** · 11-13-2012, 11:01 PM

Thanks for the suggestions I'm starting with a java fern attached to drift wood. The tank is still cycling and I'm planning to add another java and some sword grass before its done. The only place I've been able to find corys is the local Pet co and they are just albino corys not sure what species they are. Are albinos a good idea or should I find a different fish for the bottom that would work well with the tetra?

**CrazedMichael** · 11-14-2012, 06:09 AM

Originally Posted by Limming

Thanks for the suggestions I'm starting with a java fern attached to drift wood. The tank is still cycling and I'm planning to add another java and some sword grass before its done. The only place I've been able to find corys is the local Pet co and they are just albino corys not sure what species they are. Are albinos a good idea or should I find a different fish for the bottom that would work well with the tetra?

There are no differences between different species of Cories except their colours basically, so it's really a matter of personal preference. If you like them in white then i don't see why not.

As for plants, and rooted plants like Ferns etc will need some sort of supplement of food since you have not chosen a specially prepared subsrtate tha feed plants. You can buy root tabs dirt cheap and just push them into the gravel at certain points around the plants and they can get food that way. But it will not be as effective as a good planted substrate. The plants may look fine now, but might start to wilt as time goes on.