redsea's 20g Freshwater Build

[redsea]

Originally Posted by Rivercats

That appears to be a little female. Notice how her belly is slightly pink. I've been seeing alot of female GBR's for sale. You used to only be able to find boys, never any females.

Thanks for the info! I think I saw a male/es in there because I saw one with bright, bright colors.

[redsea]

So, I may be setting up the tank this weekend! I am on my mini-break starting today, so I have some time to work on it!

So I have my Seachem Flourish Comprehensive.......how much should I dose when I have the tank setup? Should I start dosing right away? Or should I wait a bit? Other than that I just have my lighting, how long should I leave that on? I have a Finnex Fugeray.

Thanks, and sorry if I have already asked some of these questions, I am very forgetful, LOL.

[Rivercats]

Only leave your lights on 8 hours and if you start getting algae which you will get diatoms as all new tanks do, then cut your hours of light down to 6. After the algae is under control you can slowly increase your light time.

You'll have to read how much to dose the Comprehensive and Leaf Zone. It will be on the bottle. When using liquid ferts you need to dose them right after a WC.

[redsea]

Thanks so much! I appreciate it greatly!

[redsea]

So, I got the tank all set up today! I am thinking of going to Petsmart tomorrow to get lots of plants and a fish. I was thinking maybe an Endler.....what do you think?

Also, is the bacteria in the Eco-Complete pretty hardy (as far as temps go)? Thanks!

[Rivercats]

So your doing a fish in cycle? Truthfully I've never considered Endlers as cyclers. In fact they are so small I'm not sure they would do anything to help cycle. As for the bacteria in Eco in normal tank temps it should be fine since I'm sure you have a heater.

[CorallineAlgae]

Don't count on the bacteria in the bag being any real help during a cycle. The things that really will help are the plants but it's way better to add them first and wait until they're adjusted and growing. Once you see a bit of growth adding a fish may go smoother. I'm not saying you can't get a fish. I like doing fish in cycling myself for freshwater tanks. The bacteria in the Eco usually doesn't do much if anything and while plants can certainly help out they don't typically work their magic on day one.

[redsea]

Hmmm, so I should go for a bit of a bigger fish?

It won't be a 100% fish cycle, however, because I will have plants and eco, right?

Thank you!

[redsea]

Here is a picture of the tank!

[redsea]

So, later today I plan on going to Petsmart for osme plants!

I have been thinking of going with Green Crypts, Green Horemanii Sword, Bacopa, and maybe an Amazon Sword/other Swords.

[Rivercats]

Sounds good except for the amazon sword. It will outgrow your 20g in no time. If you can find any Compacta Swords they would be the best choice. I've actually seen them at Pet Smart.

[Ian086]

Originally Posted by Rivercats

Sounds good except for the amazon sword. It will outgrow your 20g in no time. If you can find any Compacta Swords they would be the best choice. I've actually seen them at Pet Smart.

Hey Redsea, great to see your well on the road.... Just my 2 cents but for a fish in cycle i use Zebra Danio's, cheap as chips and hardy as hell!!!. I still have the 8 i used to cycle my 55g nearly a year ago...
PS... I tell a white lie, my friend has them now, but they are ALL still alive!!!

[redsea]

Thanks both of you! I am on my way to Petsmart now. I do not plan on purchasing any fish today, but I am going I get some plants for sure.

[redsea]

Okay, I got some plants and filter floss today. I will need to order the Seachem Purigen and root tabs online, as I couldn't find them in Petsmart or Petco. I also picked up a bag of black sand that I put in the tank to mix in with the Eco.

Also, with the filter floss, I kind of just stuffed it in the very back of the filter, is that okay?

Pictures of the tank are on their way later!

[Rivercats]

That's all I do is stuff the floss where it will fit. You don't need to pack it in tho, just a wad kind of gently pushed in works fine.

Can't wait to see pic's! Also list what plants you got.

[redsea]

UPDATE: Just got some API Root Tabs ordered along with some Seachem Purigen.

Pictures will be on their way in a few minutes!

[redsea]

I got Amazon Compacta, Bacopa, Green Horemanii Swords, and Wendtii. I think I got all those right .

[Rivercats]

4 down and a bunch to get... lol! Good choices tho. Are you going to get any DW or rocks?

[Ian086]

Originally Posted by redsea

I got Amazon Compacta, Bacopa, Green Horemanii Swords, and Wendtii. I think I got all those right .

Nice job....

[redsea]

I think I will probably be getting driftwood/rocks in the future, I just have to find a place that sells it first. I am leaning towards adding some rocks and skipping out on the driftwood though.

Thanks Janis and Ian, I appreciate it!