First Time Stocking An Aquarium. Does This List Have Everything Covered? Question

Before I went out and started going into this hobby, I wanted to make sure I had all my bases covered, so I made a list of things I'd need as well as their prices. I'd really appreciate it if someone could look at my list and let me know of any suggestions they have, or if I'm missing something. It'd also be great if there's any way for me to pinch a few pennies, because $500 is a fair bit of money for me.

20 Gallon Long Tank

Tank:
Aqueon 20 Gallon Long Tank
30.25" x 12.5" x 12.75"
 
--> $20

Fish:
12x Neon Tetra
 
--> $3 ea. x12 = $36

8x Kuhli Loaches
From LFS
--> $4 ea. x8 = $32

2x Pearl Gourami
From LFS
--> $15 ea. x2 = $

**ORDER TO ADD:
Week 1: 6 Neon Tetras
Week 2: 6 Neon Tetras
Week 3: 25% Water Change
2 Pearl Gourami
Week 4: 4 Kuhli Loaches
Week 5: 4 Kuhli Loaches

Filter:
AquaClear Power Filter 50
 
--> $40

Fluval Sponge Pre-Filter
 
--> $5

Hood:
Marineland LED Hood
 
--> $40

Heater:
Aqueon Submersible Aquarium Heater, 100w
 
--> $25

Thermometer:
Zacro Aquarium Thermometer
 
--> $10

Water Conditioners:
Dr. Tim's Aquatic Ammonia (2oz)
 
--> $8

Dr Tim's Aquatics One and Only
Nitrifying Bacteria
 
--> $10

Seachem Prime
Dechlorinator/Detoxifier
 
--> $15

API Water Test Kit
 
--> $25

Substrate:
National Geographic Aquarium Sand
25 lb. Bag
 
--> $20

Plants:
Amazon Sword
 
--> $15

Anubias
 
--> $10

Seachem Flourish
 
--> $10

Other:
Python Pump
Maybe not needed?
 
--> $40

Various Rocks/Decor
--> $60

TOTAL: $451 * 1.07 = $482 --> $500

Thank you!

 

Everything looks awesome, you really planned ahead! I'm glad you knew to get sand or else those loaches would be mad at you. The only thing is I'd suggest getting dwarf Gourami instead of Pearls. I say this because Pearls get up to 5 inches and really need 30+ gallons.

 

Hello and welcome to Fishlore!

One item to consider is a quarantine/hospital tank. This can be a 5 or 10 gallon, filtered and heated of course. It will be crucial to your stocking plan as you stagger the addition of fish to your main tank.

 

i would do a 25% water change weekly
and make sure to cycle the tank.
if you dont know the nitrogen cycle click on the blue words

 

I agree that a water change should be done more frequently, but it would really depend on your parameters.

 

Aww, was looking forward to getting Pearl Gourami's since they look really really beautiful, but I don't want them to have a cramped life. I'll look into dwarf gourami's instead, I just want a "centerpiece" fish for the tank. Maybe I can save the Pearls for when I inevitably get a bigger tank Thanks for letting me know!

I have a 10 gallon tank I completely forgot about, I'll be sure to stick a filter on it. Having a hospital/quarantine tank really isn't a bad idea. Thanks!

I got an ammonia bottle and Dr Tim's Nitrifying Bacteria to help boost the cycle, I'll be sure not to add any fish as long as there is ammonia/nitrites in the tank! I'll monitor the tank's nitrates level. I can do more frequent water changes though, thanks for letting me know!

 

I think I'm going to replace the Pearl Gourami's with Cockatoo Cichlids. Do you guys think this stocking is acceptable for a 20 Gallon Long tank?

12x Neon Tetras
6x Kuhli Loaches
2x Cockatoo Cichlids

I might just get one Cockatoo Cichlid, but I'm unsure if they need to be kept in a pair or not.