Can I keep ONE cichlid in a 20 gallon aquarium?
There are thousands of cichlids. Many will easily fit in a 20 gallon and many get larger than the 20 gallon. You need to narrow this down a bit. You can get a pair of firemouths in a 20 long though that's about all you can fit in a tank of that size. You can fit 5 apistogrammas or microgeophagus (Rams), you can have a colony of Lake Tanganykan shell dwellers, you can also have some Julis. I would go with the Gombi variety because they're beautiful and stay smaller. You can have 2 pairs of pelvicachromis (Kribensis). There are some very small Tilapia from the Camaroon crater lakes that are interesting. Go to my club's website at www.gcca.net and you'll find a lot of great cichlid info. There are a lot of cichlid clubs around the world. Find one and join. You'll get more knowledge than you ever imagined.
Is it ok to put a 20 gallon aquarium filter in a 10 gallon aquarium?
Actually it is recommended that you use 1.5 to 2 times the filtration capacity of your tank. The reason for this is that when the filters are fresh, you are sucking 10 gallons (in your case) of filtration capacity. But as the filter gets clogged up by all the crud that filters pull out of the water, you are pulling less and less water. So by the time the filter change time comes around, you may actually only be filtering 5 to 7 gallons of capacity. Which is less than you need for the 10 gallon tank. By going higher, as the filter clogs (your 20 gallon filter as an example), you're filtering maybe 12-16 gallons of capacity, which is still more than you need for the tank. As for the suction, there is little difference in the suction. The larger filters use larger drop tubes to allow for the increase of water. So as the size goes up, the more water is pulled in, but at less force so it evens out. A 20 is going to pull about as much suction force as a 10 give or take. Not to mention that most filter systems allow you to dial the force in a little bit. So don't worry about using the larger filter. In fact it is usually considered a good idea.
How to move a 20 gallon aquarium?
Most people use a siphon hose to drain a tank, but a pitcher will work if that's all you have. Whatever you do, don't try to move an aquarium that has water in it. Drain the water out, then move the tank. Moving a tank with water in it can damage the tank and injure you and anybody helping you. You don't really need a temporary tank, since you're only moving the aquarium to another place in the same house. I would do it in this order: 1. Set up the stand (or whatever furniture you will use as a stand) so it's ready for the fish tank. 2.Put some water from the tank (a couple of gallons) in a clean bucket or similar container (one that has not had soap or other cleaning products in it). 3. Drain about 75% of the water out of the tank. (It will be a lot easier to catch the fish if the water level in the tank is low.) 4. Net out the fish and put them in the bucket of water. Put some kind of cover over the bucket so the fish can't jump out. 5. Drain the rest of the water out of the tank. The emptier it is, the better. 6. If you haven't done it already, unplug and remove the filter, light, tank lid, and any large ornaments from the tank and put them in a plastic bag or bucket-- something to contain the water that will drip off of them. 7. Lift the tank and move it to the new site. You may want to get someone to help you with this. 8. Put the filter, light, top, and other items back on or in the tank. 9. Refill the tank with new water. Don't forget the dechlorinator. 10. Plug in everything electrical 11. Net the fish out of the bucket and put them in the new tank. 12. Sit back and enjoy the new setup.
Can I put 2 angelfish in a 20 gallon long aquarium??
Do NOT take the advice of Petsmart employees!! They are SALES people first and foremost!!! Angelfish should be kept in tall tanks. You "could" keep a pair in a 20 gallon long, but the fish would not thrive. Angels develop long fins (top and bottom), and need tall style tanks. Ideally, a pair would be kept in nothing smaller than a 30 gallon tall. Regarding your betta, check your temperature. Make sure the heater is working and that the water is between 78F - 85F. Bettas will become inactive and lose color intensity when they are too cold. You can keep neons with a betta but I would not recommend a community tank with bettas in anything smaller than a 10 gallon tank.
How much money does it cost to get a 20 gallon saltwater aquarium?
my first SW tank was a 29 biocube, that was back in the day that they first started making things like that, and i cost about 500 with the tank and stand, but it also included the power cpact lights (at least 150 by themselves) a 3 stage trickles filter (another 150-250) and a resurgant pump (50). it's a good size, has limited evaporation, great aeration, good footprint, basically a great all around deal. i added about 20 pounds of live rock at $7 bucks a pound ($140 total) and 20 pounds of live sand (though i only needed like 20#'s, it was like $60 but should have been 30ish) so in total i spent about $700 but haven't needed to buy anything but a heater (which i think they come with now) and fish. they really are great starter systems and the new ones that they make are great even for old pros. but if you wanted just a 'regular' tank here's the run down... tank 20 gallon w/ lid/light (approx $50) heater (15) powerhead (10) external HOB filter (40 tops) hydrometer (10) 20pounds LS (approx. 30) 15 pounds of LR (50-150 depeding on quality) 20ish gallons of saltwater (20) or 20 worth of salt mix (20) just use RO/DI water or treated tap water grand total $200-350 for a 'barebottom' tank you could get a skimmer but that's another 100, upgraded lighting another 150. it's the add-ons and incidentals that kill you. a fish only with live rock tank is the cheapest form and is the one i listed, and i recommend it for beginner SW aquarists also you can replace some or all of your live rock/sand with dray base product. it'll take longer to cycel but will definately be cheaper 20 pounds each of dry sand/rock will only total like 80 bucks
Too many fish for 20 gallon tank?
I am pretty much a beginner when it comes to aquariums and fish. I have a 20 gallon tank with a great filter and heater. Here is a list of fish I am thinking about: - 3 ghost catfish - 2-3 angelfish (the man at the pet store recommended we add those later after the tank "chemistry" has been established because they are sensitive) - a school of neon tetras (how many do you recommend?) - a school of tiger barbs (how many?) - a school of black mollys (how many?) - 1 red tail shark - 1 small bottom feeder (haven't decided yet) - and possibly some of those tiny shrimp that live on the bottom. Is this too many fish? If so, what would be the maximum amount of fish I should have of these? Any suggestions? Thanks!
Can a dresser or table safely hold a 20 gallon aquarium?
I kept a 25 gallon on my old dresser for several years without a problem. Ok, you didn't ask - but if you get the 20 gallon long, not only is weight distributed among more area, but you get more usable room for fish too. Your Dresser will not hold it if it is not sturdy - it should not lean or jiggle or skew when you push or shake it, and all the bolts should be tight. If it wobbles due to an uneven floor you should reinforce it with something to set it straight. Also don't put it on a nice wood dresser that you don't want ruined by water.