confused newbie filter/heater etc question

[redpatchouli]

A friend gave me a 20-gal high tank and hood. It's been scrubbed and in my living room, empty, for two weeks now. I can't wait to fill it with fishies, but the more i talk to "people who know" (aquarium owners, petstore workers/owners, internet research) the more confused I am. What's best"? Have heard "Go with Whisper;" have been told "get a Bio-wheel"; have had a small-fish-store owner say "those are rubbish, buy an oldfashioned box filter." (btw his water tanks WERE exceptionally clear and his fish nice and lively). Then there's the heater. (And now i'm told i should buy a thermometer?). My goal is to have clear water, lose very few fish, and enjoy my hopefully serene and relaxing aquaworld. Help!

 

[Kryten]

In my humble opinion, the best way to get good results is to buy an internal box filter, something like the "fluval 2 plus" for a 20 gallon. You will get great results from a tank of this size (it is exactly what I use and no problems so far). If you want real plants do not get an undergravel filter (more hassle than they are worth if you ask me). You should not need to worry about an additional air pump. Many people say that you will, but this is only necessary if your tank is going to be heaving with fish and only has artificial plants, so I wouldn't for the moment.

Buy a heater/thermostat combination, not very expensive, about £15 or $20. Make sure that you place the heater near the pump outlet so that this circulates the warmed water

You don't have to have a thermometer, but I do have one (liquid mercury, with a sucker cup for attaching) at the opposite corner to the heater so that I can check that warm water is being effectively circulated right round the tank (so not vital). Also lets you check one of the important tank parameters that need checked regularly (they only cost about £2.00 anyway.

If you want exceptionaly clear water but want to use bogwood, you will have to soak the bogwood for a wek or so in a bucket first as bogwood gives tannin off, a yellow harmless chemical, which will clear.