20-gallon tank setup: What fish and supplies do I need to get started?

Before you buy any fish, you will need to set up the tank. A basic set up includes: a tank, filter, hood/light, heater, gravel and some decor. The tank should run without fish for at least 4 to 6 weeks. This gives it time to cycle. The Nitrogen Cycle is critical to the health of the tank and any fish you will be keeping. During this time, beneficial bacterial will populate the filter and substrate (gravel). These bacteria will be responsible for breaking down fish wastes and other wastes (uneaten food, dead plants, etc.). You will need a home test kit to monitor water chemistry (ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, pH) or you will have to submit water samples for testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or for a small fee. At first, you will see high levels of ammonia and nitrites. Over time, as bacteria grow, these levels will drop. When ammonia and nitrites are at 0 ppm and nitrates are below 20 ppm, you can consider adding fish. Regular (every 1 or 2 weeks) partial water changes as well as filter changes will be needed to maintain stable water chemistry and adequate water quality. The size of your tank will determine what fish and how many you will be able to keep. Most Tetras do best in groups, so a 12 inch tank may not be large enough. There are several article in the Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach Library that will provide more detailed information. Click on "Educational Center" at the top of the page, then scroll down to "Articles" and click. Use the Search Bar to find articles regarding aquarium set up and fish keeping.

Without anything to use for scale, it is hard for me to tell how big your tank is, but in general it seems very small. Also, the water that is in the tank appears very cloudy right now, so that would be the first place to start. Water quality is very important, and will make or break your ability to house and care for fish. I would recommend getting a good filter system (you can visit a local pet store to assist you with brands in your area, as I am not familiar with what you can get in India). Be sure to bring the measurements (height, length, width) of your tank, or the gallons or liters so they can tell you what capacity of filter you will need. Everything else will depend on what types of fish you get - if you plan on getting multiple fish, they will need to be small - a general rule of thumb is one square inch of fish per gallon of water. Depending on the species you get, you may need to also get a bubbler to ensure there is enough oxygen in the water for them, and you will also likely need to get some sort of substrate for the bottom and cage furniture (different species have different air requirements, and some are secretive and like to hide). You may also need a water heater, depending on the species you would like to house. But, depending on how small your tank is, it may be hard to get a water heater that will fit. The food type will also depend on what species you get, as there can be differences in diet type between species. I hope that gives you a place to start, and good luck!

Guppies or Neons are excellent "starter" fish. Care is simple and they are inexpensive. A standard 10 gallon tank is recommended to start. Most people don' t realize the amount of "work" needed to maintain a tank. Filter maintenance, monitoring water chemistry, water changes, monitoring fish health and providing a balanced diet are just a few items that need regular attention to keep a tank thriving. Even though fish aren't as cuddly as cats and dogs, they do have their own personalities and even respond to their owners, especially at feeding time! Studies have shown that simply watching fish in a tank can lead to a reduction in both heart rate and blood pressure. It is quite relaxing.

It is possible the tank has not cycled properly which results in high ammonia and nitrite levels which can kill fish. Allow the tank to run, without fish, for at least 4-6 weeks. During this time, use a home test kit or submit a water sample for testing every few days. The local Petco may do this for free or for a small fee. What you are looking for is to have ammonia and nitrites at 0 ppm and nitrates at 20ppm or less. pH can hover around 7 for most community fish. Avoid large, rapid swings in pH though. What is happening in the tank during this time is that beneficial bacteria are populating the gravel/substrate and the filter. These bacterial populations are responsible for the Nitrogen Cycle. This cycle breaks down wastes from fish, uneaten food and plant matter into by-products that are filtered out or dissipate. You can "cycle" a tank with fish, however this increases the risk of loss. Once your tank has cycled, you can add fish. You will still need to monitor water chemistry and perform partial water changes regularly. Use only conditioned water that is temperature matched to prevent stress or shock. You will also need to vacuum the gravel regularly and rinse the filter media. Never use tap water to rinse. Use a bit of tank water to protect bacterial populations in the sponge.

Our Standard Aquarium Plant Pack provides a convenient solution for your dilemma. This package includes Micro Sword or Dwarf Hairgrass, Anubias Nana or Anubias Barteri Round Leaf, Java Fern, Red Cryptocoryne or Green Cryptocoryne, Water Sprite, Hornwort, and Cabomba. http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=768+2145+2146&pcatid=2146 A substrate specifically designed for live aquarium plants such as CaribSea Eco-Complete Plant Substrate is recommended for long-term success. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=9087 Be sure to provide proper lighting conditions by employing aquarium light fixtures specifically designed for planted aquarium use.

Gold fish can make great fish but they can live up to 25 years and require a large tank that may need to be upgraded if they grow too large. Do get at least 2 fish. Here are some links which may help: https://www.petcoach.co/article/chewing-in-puppies-how-to-control-it/ https://www.aqueon.com/information/care-sheets/goldfish https://www.hartz.com/how-to-introduce-new-fish-into-your-aquarium-tank/ I hope this helps and congrats on your new pets!

As for what kind of tank you will need: Basically a square fish tank, do not get a bowl. You will likely need a heater and an air pump, and a thermometer, It is easiest to by a complete kit at a pet shop. As for size of tank: The bigger is always the better....however a minimum size will be determined by the type of fish and their average size they will grow into, So once we know what type of fish you have and how many, we can tell you how big your tank needs to be and what type of "furniture" (rocks, plants, gravel) you will need.