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My girlfriend wants to start a new, 20-29 gallon aquarium in a couple of months, and with all the information I've read, I think I can help her make her new aquarium experience alot less stressful than mine was. I have a couple of questions about equipment and cycling. Keep in mind, we're in college, so money is an issue, but so is having a successful aquarium.

1)Would buying a 29 gallon aquarium be a *must* over a 20 gallon? She'd eventually like a small school or two of tetras (or other small, colorful fish), a school of corydoras, and *maybe* a dwarf gourami or two.

2) What brands/types of filters do y'all seem to have the most success with? I've looked at articles and faqs, but I see alot of mixed answers and alot of information on much bigger filters than would be needed for this size aquarium. Also, BioWheel or sponge?

3) It seems to me that Bio-Spira is a great way to go with the fishless cycling. If using it, though, would we be able to add fish within a day or so, or do you still need to do the adding ammonia/flakes/etc thing and cycle the tank for a couple weeks?

4) Second to last, are there any suggestions on particular tetras, corydoras, or gouramis that y'all have enjoyed or like? Cardinals and rummynoses are my favorite tetras I've seen, and the bandit, skunk, panda, and julii corydoras are also pretty neat.

5) And last, any cool ideas for planting a tank of this size? I've heard good things about Eco-Complete for substrate, and I like anubias, maybe some swords. Any suggestions and ideas would be great.

Thanks, and have fun with this one!

Andrew...

1)

Would buying a 29 gallon aquarium be a *must* over a 20 gallon?

Not really. A 29g is just taller than a 20g. They have the same footprint (length). If she is going to try to plant it eventually, a 20g is easier to plant IMO because of the light reaching the plants better. If not then get the 29g. I think you can have the same amount of fish (2 schools) in a 20g and a 29g. Its really a matter of choice.

2)I have AquaClear HOB filters on all my tanks. I use only sponges as media. They are pretty quiet. I have heard that Bio-wheels are pretty noisy. The sponges in Aquaclears are easy to use. You can just rinse off the bottom one like once a month in old tank water and move it to the top...so no buying new sponges. But, if you want to buy new ones..they are inexpensive.

3)If you use Bio-Spira, I think you can add fish right away. You have to add something whether it is fish or some other source of ammonia. I have heard that Bio-Spira is really good. I have never used it though.

4)Rummynose tetras are my fav. I also like lemons. Harlequin Rasboras are another choice...though they are not tetras. They are pretty hardy too and would be a good beginner fish. When it comes to cories...pandas are my fav. I also like my corydoras trilineatus.

5)Upgrade the light and you could grow anubias, crypts, small swords, bacopa, rotala, and other stem plants. I am in the process of planting my 29g. My plants are doing great. I bought a Coralife 65w fixture.
Eco-Complete is a good substrate...you can use regular gravel though. Thats what I have...mine is about 3mm in size. I just fertilize my plants with liquid ferts.

My advice: Plant the tank when you set it up. Plants will also help the cycle along and it will be much easier to plant it before you add the fish. I didn't do that and now wish I had. Good luck!

*Kristin*