Really beaslbob? What kind of substrate do you have in it? I'm nervous to go the cheaper route with sand; afraid it'll get green with algae! I love the look of the eco-complete stuff, though it's pricey. I've always wanted black substrate
I have settled (for this year anyway *n1 ) on this substrate
1" peat moss ($10 a bale from building supply stores)
1" play sand ($3/50 pounds from building supply stores)
1" pc select (or aquarium gravel). Pc select is used in infields and I got it from a landscaping firm suggested by an email from the pro choice (pc) web site. It is a red/brown baked clay.
I put in one layer and fill that layer with water. Clean up the mess and level that layer then do the next.
I then put in plants and add water (over a saucer to prevent a dust storm) to the top of the tank.
For plants I would use 5-10 bunches of anacharis, 10 or so vals (can't spell valscyreoussessa;rposkf whatever *n1), 5-10 small potted plants and one or two amazon swords centerpeices. Tall plants in back and down the sides. Small potteds left and right, then the amazon sword centerpiece. (of course you may find a better arangment)
I then add one fish like a male platy
wait one week with no food added.
add a female (or two) and start adding one flake food per day.
In 6 months you will have a tank full of platys.
You can do the same for other fish like neon tetras. One at first then 4-5 the second week.
After three weeks you can add more fish.
I only feed lightly once per day.
no filter, no circulation (powerhead or airstone) straight untreated tap water, no water changes-just replace the water that has evaporated. Also use cold water that has been ran from the tap of 30seconds to a minute).
My 20g l had been running for 2 years now. I also have a 10 g that has been runing 7 years with descendent from the original cycle trio. And my wife setup a tank following that method a year ago with 5 glofish and 5 neon tetras.
For lighting, I recommend compact flourescent spiral bulbs 6500k from your local wall mart. On the wife's 10g we bought an incandescent hood and those bulbs fit in nicely. On my 20g L I use three bulbs in clip-on spot reflectors resting on an egg crate on the tank. Egg crate is the 1/4" square lighting diffusers used for drop ceiling and cost $12 for a 4'x2' section.
If the tank gets cloudy I just kill the lights for a few days.
Whatever you try we will be here to help you.
Welcome to the board.
sorry about long post.
