Ok so I have my 20 g aquarium and I really want to do a planted aquarium with cichlids in it but everything I have read on here says it isn't a good idea. Are there some cichlids that do well with plants? If so which? And also if someone can recommend lower care level plants that are good for beginners and what kind of accessories and supplements I may need for them? Thanks I know it's alot to answer but its new to me.
20g high planted aquarium! Help please.
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Mr. Limpet
Aquarium Advice Addict
jkdubs2 said:
Can't help you with the cichlids, but if you go to plantgeek.net, look in the low light section there's lots of plants to choose from that won't need ferts or co2. Lighting is going to be your only issue and if you have at least 24-36w and 6700K, you should be ok IMO.
neilanh
Sliced Bread
Most of the common cichlids will destroy your plants. Some of the dwarfs are ok, though.
EndlersEatGuppies
Aquarium Advice Addict
I 100% agree with neilanh
mfdrookie516
Aquarium Free - 2+ Years
I'd be willing to bet any suitable cichlid for a 20g tank will be ok with plants, as this is pretty much only dwarf south americans or shell dwelling africans, both of which do fine with plants.
EndlersEatGuppies
Aquarium Advice Addict
Mr. Limpet
Aquarium Advice Addict
jkdubs2 said:
Crushed sea shells work for SW keepers.
mfdrookie516
Aquarium Free - 2+ Years
Ok, so before you start wanting to raise the pH, you need to figure out what kind of fish you're wanting. Cichlids are such a broad range of fish found in pH of 6 all the way up to 9 and 10. That said, it's really not something to worry about. As far as co2, that's dependent upon your lighting.
As far as fish, look at rams, apistos, kribs, and then shelldwellers (multies, brevis, occies).
As far as fish, look at rams, apistos, kribs, and then shelldwellers (multies, brevis, occies).
Batt4Christ
Aquarium Advice FINatic
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That really isn't enough light to bring the need for CO2, in my mind. In fact, you will need to stick with plants clearly classified as "low" light. Now- fill the tank up with plants and thing change a bit (and you will need to fertilize).
Batt4Christ
Aquarium Advice FINatic
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If you stay with "standard" T8 - many folks still use the "1.5-2watts per gallon for a medium/low light tank. Of course, tank height and the quality of that light is also very important.
What I found made things simpler- I recently upgraded to a twin-tube T5HO fixture. While the wattage total is "only" 48watts, the T5HO bulbs put out a LOT more light (usable) per watt.
I would imagine others will pipe in to give more specific info for your 20g tall
What I found made things simpler- I recently upgraded to a twin-tube T5HO fixture. While the wattage total is "only" 48watts, the T5HO bulbs put out a LOT more light (usable) per watt.
I would imagine others will pipe in to give more specific info for your 20g tall
Ok so I've been looking for a dual lamp t8 light hood for my 20h tank and it doesn't seem like they make them. Any good sites that have them? Cuz I looked at foster and smith aquatics and no luck. I was thinking it would be cheaper than going to the t5ho fixture.
jetajockey
come get me tang police!
Just go with a single bulb t5ho, it will be plenty.
Dual T8s work, I use dual t8 shop lights over some of my tanks, but the t5ho is way better imo. And they are fairly cheap in 24" and 48" versions.
Dual T8s work, I use dual t8 shop lights over some of my tanks, but the t5ho is way better imo. And they are fairly cheap in 24" and 48" versions.
Ok and I have floramax planted aquarium substrate and it says only minimal rinsing needed but I'm rinsing it and it's dirty dirty water so is it ok to continue rinsing it til clear or am I washing out all the fertilizer?
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