setting up a planted tank

[gtlaw]

i plan on setting up a 20 gallon with a pair of kribnesis, 6-8 cardnial tatras, 1 dwarf gourami maybe some kind of algae eater. is this ok, and what kind of algae eater will work? my tap waters kh&gh is 3 and ph is 7.0.
what plants are easy to keep, are readily avalible (petsmart), and do a good job of assimilating nitrates? i plan on heavily planting for low maintenance. i keep large cichlids so this will be a neat experiment in water quality for me.
i have the tank and the filter(emeim classic canister) i need to get the cover, and light. what should i do for these? i was thinking power compact and glass canopy, but it would be nice to save money and use a regular light, and top. either way what type of bulb should i use(kelvin rating)?
i also need substrate, and have no idea what to use?
any suggestions will be greatly appreciated

 

[Randall]

Planted Pelvicachromis pulcher setup

Hello gt,

I'll offer some recommendations one by one.

i plan on setting up a 20 gallon with a pair of kribnesis, 6-8 cardnial tatras, 1 dwarf gourami maybe some kind of algae eater. is this ok, and what kind of algae eater will work? my tap waters kh&gh is 3 and ph is 7.0.

If the tank were a tad larger, adding a gourami to the mix might be okay. Given the smaller tank size, however, I'd skip it and concentrate on the tetras and some Ottocinclus species (dwarf algae eaters).

what plants are easy to keep, are readily avalible (petsmart), and do a good job of assimilating nitrates? i plan on heavily planting for low maintenance. i keep large cichlids so this will be a neat experiment in water quality for me.

This is a judgement call but...Hygrophila spp., Echinodorus spp., E. tenellus, Bolbitis heudelotii, Microsorium pteropus, Aponogeton spp., take your pick.

i have the tank and the filter(emeim classic canister) i need to get the cover, and light. what should i do for these? i was thinking power compact and glass canopy, but it would be nice to save money and use a regular light, and top. either way what type of bulb should i use(kelvin rating)?
i also need substrate, and have no idea what to use?
any suggestions will be greatly appreciated

High intensity lighting over a glass canopy is better for a planted aquarium. Two daylight bulbs of, say, 7,500-10,000K should be fine. For substrate, Florite or some other plant-friendly substrate is a good idea.

Good luck!

Randall Kohn

 

[gtlaw]

thanks randall, i will take your advice and leave out the gourami and get some Ottocinclus.