Need help in getting start

[newbiee]

hello everyone,

i have a tank (semi hex tank)[pictures attached) which can contain about 20 gal of water. Heres what i planned to do and i need advice...

Filter: canister filter
bottom: small size gravel, semi planted
fishes: Dwarf/honey Gourami & neon/Cardinals tetras
and of coz with lighting and maybe air stone

my question is :

1: how many fishes am i able to fit in ?
2: do i need strong or weak water flow ?
3: can i combine canister input with undergravel filter ? meaning the canister suk all the wasted inside the sand rather than middle of the tank. will it work ? (without the sponge inside the undergravel )
4: how long do i need to on my light in order to keep the plant alive ?

more question will be post if i think of more...
sorry for my poor english and i hope everyone can understand and help me

THX in advance

 

[-cAtFiSh-]

to the forums!

to answer your questions:

1. the general guideline for beginners is one inch of fish per gallon. so your tank being 20gallons would be able to fit 20 inches of fish. this isnt including the tail by the way. remember though it is better to understock your tank than overstock especially if you are a beginner.

2. i dont think this really matters

3. i'm not sure on this one. i'm not an expert when it comes to filters. there will definately be someone here to help you though.

4. the light should be kept on between 8-10 hours a day. too much light will cause algae growth

HTH

edit: do you know about cycling? there are plenty of threads on here to help you with that

 

[newbiee]

yes, i saw alot of threads about cycling. thx for your help

 

[-cAtFiSh-]

you're welcome

 

[sylvia]

Just a note. It's true that with the fish you want you can go for 20 inches of fish BUT you have a hexagonal tank which means you have a smaller surface area to work with which means less oxygen can get in the tank which means fewer fish can be kept happily in it. Also, dwarf gouramies are somewhat territorial - either go for 1-2 males or 1 male and 2 females. Honeys are also a little territorial but smaller so you could keep about 4 in your hexagonal tank - I'd say 1 male and 3 females is best. You can then add about 8 cardinals or neons.

With the filter question - just get a good canister and don't bother with the undergravel. If you get something suitable for your size tank and don't over-stock, you shouldn't need extra filtration. UGFs are difficult to clean out or service anyway.

 

[steelhealr]

Hi...looks like your tank is near a window from your photo. Be careful....direct sunlight could overheat your tank and possibly cause algae problems without a well planted tank. Frank

 

[newbiee]

oh i see, its indeed near window but sunlight isnt direct the fish tank... so i think its ok

once again thx for the help !!!