if money is no object what is the best 20gal setup

[DarkFox]

i've been reading a decent amount of info about different tanks. i'm looking to get a 20gal tank. nothing bigger. i've seen these uniquarium, and it looks great. would i be better off with a regular setup? money not being an issue?

 

[Stryker]

I've heard people saying how good Jewel (spelling?) tanks are. They do look pretty, however a tank is a tank and its how you run it that counts, I've only ever bought generic tanks and hoods.

Spend your money on a top quality heater and filtration, possibly canister/external (overkill for 20gal tho? ) or a nice fluval 303. If your going to keep expensive fish then your money would also be better spent on two heaters and powerheads, depends how super safe you want to be.

A lot of these expensive startup kits contain sub standard equipment anyway.... I'm not tarnishing all startup kits with this brush before anyone jumps on me

 

[Lateral Line]

I think Juwel have been in decline in recent years. They have had numerous quality control issues.

If money is not an issue, but whichever you think you like the best, unusual problem.

Without money issues, this...

>>> i'm looking to get a 20gal tank

... is your most limiting requirement. Larger tanks are always so much more stable, easier to look after and flexible as your interests in the hobby drift as they inevitably will. A crappy 55 will serve you much better then a flash 20.

 

[rollntider]

if the footprint of the tank is what you are looking at think 29 gallon or 37 gallon they have the same deminsions as a 20 long but only higher.

 

[thecichlidaddict]

29 gallon is worth considering, as mentioned the same footprint as a 20 Long, but the extra water volume is always a good thing (and the extra height looks nice). Definetly build your own, it will end up better then any 'all in one' type.

For filtration check out a small canister. The 2213 is an excellent one. This filter is not only super versatile, but it is also completely silent. It works off of a low water flow, optimizing biological filtration and not causing too much disturbance of the water in a smaller tank.
You can also use pvc piping on the output to customize it and run it where-ever the heck you want to in the tank for optimum water movement and aeration. here is one idea of what I mean:

For heating any good brand will do, but if you really want something solid go with a titanium one.

 

[DarkFox]

tanks for the feedback everyone... i actually ended up going with a cheaper 20 gal. and once i get better move on to a really good 55-75 gal setup. canister filter sounds like a good idea.