[ajd916]

i am going to buy a tank in the next few weeks, right now im set about 20 gallons. this tank will be fresh water and i want to have plants as well as fish. my questions are: is there a tank dimension that is more popular or cheaper to find lights for in this size? what are some good brands/types of filters (as reasonably priced as possible, with good quality components)? is making my own filter a reasonable idea for a tank this small? what brands/types of lighting are best for light/fish combos? i found a tank that has similar dimensions WxD, but is considerably taller than the others. i think it was the same dimension as a 20 gal, but twice as tall. is this wasted space for my fish and plants? my hope is to get a tank from craigslist or used and build from that, but i may go new. i would rather get it sooner than later but am more worried about cost of startup. any ideas or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[archer772]

What size tank are you looking for as far as the footprint goes

 

[ajd916]

i have plenty of room, and an oversized table that i will use for the stand. what i really want is the best buy and the easiest to find good quality parts ie lighting for

 

[archer772]

Once you get over like 20 gallons you really should be useing an Aquarium stand because they will have the proper support directly under the tank. I would go with something closer to a 50-65 gallon breeder because anything smaller you will be very limited on the fish you can keep in it and the bigger you go (at least to a point) the easier they are to take care of