Fatal Foxglove
Aquarium Advice Newbie
This is my first time actually setting up my own tank. I worked in a pet shop for a while, so technically I'm not completely clueless, then again I also quit because they were getting me (someone completely untrained in anything vet-related) to give the puppies their medications and shots. So as we can tell this isn't the best place to rely on for information.
I'm trying to just get the tank set up first and I know that it takes ages before you actually put any fish in, but I'm not completely sure on all the equipment I need. I've read that since I have a 20 gallon tank I should have a flow rate of at least 80 gallons. I'm trying to read through reviews of filters now and I'm more than a little swamped, so any advice on filters I'd greatly appreciate.
Also, I've been looking at heaters and it seems like I'll need anything from 50 watts to 100 watts depending on what I'm reading. I'll be keeping the fish in a room that's generally around 68F, and I've read that I'm supposed to keep the tank at 77F (unless I'm forcing my fish into a fever...? But I'm trying not to get too complicated yet, much less boil any poor unsuspecting fish) So I shouldn't need too heavy-duty a heater, at least in theory it seems.
I've not decided on the types of fish yet nor the plant life, I just have a very insistent 8-year-old who wants "a fish that eats other fish". Though I've warned him repeatedly the first couple of fish may end up not doing too well, so we'd be starting with very resistant fish. At any rate I'm not sure of any 'fish-eating' fresh water fish that would fit into my tank without being cramped or deprived of oxygen/ swimming room. On top of that I'm rather fond of the clown fish and it's colours so if anyone has fish advice after the pioneers I'd appreciate any help.
Basically I'm clueless and trying not to get it too wrong.
I'm trying to just get the tank set up first and I know that it takes ages before you actually put any fish in, but I'm not completely sure on all the equipment I need. I've read that since I have a 20 gallon tank I should have a flow rate of at least 80 gallons. I'm trying to read through reviews of filters now and I'm more than a little swamped, so any advice on filters I'd greatly appreciate.
Also, I've been looking at heaters and it seems like I'll need anything from 50 watts to 100 watts depending on what I'm reading. I'll be keeping the fish in a room that's generally around 68F, and I've read that I'm supposed to keep the tank at 77F (unless I'm forcing my fish into a fever...? But I'm trying not to get too complicated yet, much less boil any poor unsuspecting fish) So I shouldn't need too heavy-duty a heater, at least in theory it seems.
I've not decided on the types of fish yet nor the plant life, I just have a very insistent 8-year-old who wants "a fish that eats other fish". Though I've warned him repeatedly the first couple of fish may end up not doing too well, so we'd be starting with very resistant fish. At any rate I'm not sure of any 'fish-eating' fresh water fish that would fit into my tank without being cramped or deprived of oxygen/ swimming room. On top of that I'm rather fond of the clown fish and it's colours so if anyone has fish advice after the pioneers I'd appreciate any help.
Basically I'm clueless and trying not to get it too wrong.