20 gallon college tank

[FallenRedeemer]

I'm taking my old 20 long up to college with me this year. Last year I only had a 10 gallon so I'm pretty excited for all the new possibilities. My setup will be sand bottom, marineland 150 that's good for up to 30 gallon tank, and a marineland led light. I'm going to have it planted with amazon swords and probably something else, not sure yet and am open to suggestions. Also will have a piece of real driftwood and a cave I built out of slate that is currently in my 55. I'll put a picture of the cave that im going to take from my 55. For stocking I am planning on having 1 clown Pleco, a school of cories (not sure how many yet), and a school of neon tetras (again not sure how many).
How many cories and tetras do you think I can have also any other thoughts and suggestions about decor or anything is appreciated.

 

[bud29]

How many watts is the light you will be using on it? Amazon swords are medium light plants so I believe you would need a light that is 30-40 watts. Also, medium light plants need fertilization so that will be another expense. There are a bunch of cool low-light plants out there that would work and don't require a stronger light or fertilizers. Some low light plants are Java Ferns, Java Moss, Crypts, and Anubias.

I think in that size tank you should do either the pleco or the cories, but not both as that would be too many bottom feeders. I think for fish you could do 8 neon tetras and 5 zebra danios or glo-fish. Or, what would really look cool IMO would be a school of 10 neons and 8 harlequin rasbora. Or, 15 neons and 1 dwarf gourami.

 

[FallenRedeemer]

I'll attach a pic of the box from the light. The ferts wouldn't be a problem. I have amazon swords in my 55 and have some already. In fact one of the just put out a shoot to grow move plants so I'll probably use those daughter plants if they will work in my 20. I could return my led light and get a dual fluorescent fixture instead if that would be better.

I really like the neon tetras and want them. I'm not a real fan of the gourami though.

 

[bud29]

I *think* that might be enough to grow amazon swords, but, which dual fluorescent fixture were you looking at?

 

[FallenRedeemer]

Aqueon t5 dual lamp fixture

 

[M1k3y_gumi]

Wattage doesn't really matter. It's the type of bulb, how many and how high. Also the color plays in alittle. Stay away from 50/50 or acintic. 65k is supposed to be best.