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.
