abc123d30

I am about to start up my first tank! It's a 20 gallon freshwater fish only.

I was just making sure I have all the proper equipment needed. I have the tank, tank lid, lighting, gravel, fake plants, and hiding places/decorations. I am going to the store hopefully tomorow to pick up the filter, heater, and test kit. I'm pretty sure this is all I need but if there's something I'm missing please tell me! Also, what kind of filter do you guys think I should get? Thanks for the help.

Lucy

Welcome to FishLore
Here's a great link to read about what you need to set up your first tank:
How To Set Up A Freshwater Fish Aquarium

Please consider a humane way of cycling your tank and not use fish.
Here's an explantion of The Nitrogen Cycle

Have fun with your new tank and good luck

bolivianbaby

Welcome to Fishlore

It sounds like you have everything covered.

I use all types of filters including Top Fins, Aqueon, Marineland Penguin Biowheels, and I love them all. My favs are the biowheels, although I've been getting quite attached to the Aqueon's lately as well. It seems to be a matter of personal preference.

The most important thing when it comes to filters is the gallons per hour. You want 8-10 times the number of gallons to be filtered per hour. I.e., 20 gallon aquarium, you'd want 160-200 gallons filtered an hour.

Hope this helps!

abc123d30

Thank you for the links.
I have read a lot about the nitrogen cycle and know about it and definitely don't plan on using fish to cycle it.

bolivianbaby

abc123d30

Thanks for the advice bolivianbaby!

Hopefully when I get the tanks set up I can show pictures.

Lucy

Did that list include a camera because we def. want to see pics when you're all set up. lol

Beth1965

ABC: when you get the test kit, be sure to get the API test kit (liquid tests with test tubes) and not the stips. The strips are not so accurate.
Have fun and welcome to fish lore!
Beth

abc123d30

Thank you Beth, I will keep that in mind when shopping!

Beth1965

You're welcome, it's prob more expensive but quite important.
beth

10gallonmadness

Also you will need water conditioner to get rid of chlorine and chloramines in your tap water. You will need to add this everytime you put tap water in your tank. I recommend Tetra Aquasafe because it gets rid of heavy metals and provides slime coating for your fish too. Also you might want a thermometer so you know what temp your water is.
74-82F (23-28C) is the typical tropical fish range. Good luck on your new tank!

Also on the filters I would recommend an AquaClear 30. But if you want really good filtration a 50 would be great.

abc123d30

UPDATE:
I went to the store and got all the stuff I needed for now and set up the tank.

abc123d30

Here are some more pictures from different angles and views:

rileyrk190

cool tank. Did you get a fish net? Also an algae scraper would be helpful in the future.

Lucy

It's so unique. I really like it. Good job.
Glad to hear you had a good shopping trip!

abc123d30

Yes, I got both. I'm pretty sure I got everything I needed except a thermometer thing which I forgot to get. Thank you for the help though!

aquarist48

You've done a wonderful job abc123. Thanks for sharing the photos.
Ken

bolivianbaby

I love your aquascaping! It looks fantastic!

abc123d30

Thanks for the help and compliments everybody

Also, if maybe some of you could share with me how you cycled your tanks or what methods you used that would be appreciated too.

Lucy

Here's a great thread Shawnie has up that explains a few fish less methods:
Four Methods of Fish Less Cycling

Please don't cycle with fish. The fish are exposed to toxic levels of ammonia and nitrite.
The weakens their immune system leaving them suseptable to illness, disease and possible death.
Your fishies will thank you for being patient.

10gallonmadness

The tank looks great! Aren't you glad you took the time to learn and give your fish the best home possible, instead of just filling the tank up with water and throwing fish in it? Your fish will definately greatful.

shelly80

welcome to fishlore, your tank looks great, i would def recommend using TSS for the cycle it has my tanks done in days.
Good luck with yours and have fun in here, the ppl here are sooo helpful and friendly

abc123d30

Yes definately! It surprises me at how many people have fish tanks, but know nothing about fish.

gmen4life

well patience u need that also

abc123d30

TSS? what is that?

10gallonmadness

TSS is Tetra Safe Start. It's just an abbreviation. Tetra Safe Start is a product that can speed up your cycle. It claims to finish your cycle in 7 days. You can usually find it at your LFS (Local Fish Store). It contains the good bacteria your tank needs to convert ammonia (toxic) into nitrites (Also toxic) and then into nitrates (Only toxic in high amounts). But always have a backup plan. Tetra Safe Start doesn't always work! I'm just warning you.

gmen4life

go natural if you can

acidpope

TSS is the old freshwater Bio Spira. Tetra bought it and changed the name, and made it "stable" at un-refrigerated temperatures. The main problem with it though is if the seal has been compromised (ruining the batch) or post Tetra the shipping or retail storage is done incorrectly (shipping and storage in summer can make it's temp go too high and ruin the bottle). Alot of the people who have problems with it not working is because of these two things. It's risky business.

abc123d30

Thanks again for all the help. You've all been so friendly and kind. My fish will appreciate it too