How to Set Up Your New 20-Gallon Aquarium

The aquarium hobby largely consists of establishing and maintaining enclosed aquatic ecosystems that can range in sizes. If you seek the advice of the employees at an aquarium shop such as Aquatic Warehouse, they may recommend starting with a rectangular 20-gallon freshwater tank. You won’t want to start off with anything smaller—forget about the fishbowls you see in the movies and on television because they’re not ideal for beginners. In the case of saltwater and reef tanks, you shouldn’t start with anything smaller than 50 gallons. Here are some of the tips aquarium shops often give their customers when setting up 20-gallon tanks.

Start Off with a Kit

The most popular freshwater aquarium kits for beginners include a 20-gallon tank, plus everything else you need to establish an ecosystem to the point where you can stock it with plants, fish, and invertebrates. The pricing of these kits makes them attractive. Keep in mind you’ll have to return to the shop for the fish and invertebrates at a later time.

Take Your Time

When your introduction to the fish keeping world is facilitated by a kit and a 20-gallon tank, you’ll have the option to complete the nitrogen cycle in 2 ½ to 3 weeks, which means you could be looking ata few  fish swimming in your aquarium 24 hours you bring the tank home. This is made possible by the magic of high-quality bottled bacteria and fish food turned into fish waste. Ideally, you should go slower by starting off with plants and allowing Nitrobacter colonies to settle in the biological filter. If you spend a few weeks preparing a 20-gallon tank for fish, you’ll have an easier time maintaining a balanced ecosystem down the line.

Don’t Skip Plants

Even though a planted tank is a personal choice, it will always be the better choice. Plants are extremely beneficial to all aquatic habitats. They help with the oxygenation of water, compete with algae for nutrients, provide shelter for territorial species, have natural antibiotics, and can even become snacks for herbivorous fish.

Complete Tank Decoration Prior to Stocking with Fish

Another advantage of 20-gallon tanks is that they’re large enough to provide a platform for some artistic decorations. Make sure to get the lighting system, plants, and decorative items in place before introducing fish to their new habitat. The best decorative items are those that not only look good but also provide functional benefits. For example, the old-fashioned diver opening a treasure chest is better if it includes an air stone that connects to the aeration system. Any decoration that doubles as a hiding spot will benefit the lives of territorial species.

One of the most important things to do when setting up an aquarium of any size is to purchase all of the necessary supplies to properly maintain the tank. Whether you need an aquarium dosing pump, beneficial bacteria, LED lighting, filtration, or any other supplies, Aquatic Warehouse has got you covered. Stop by our store located in Kearny Mesa, order everything you need from our website and have it shipped to you, or give us a call at 858-467-9297 if you have any questions.