2. 20-55 gallon shopping list

2. 20-55-gallon Freshwater Shopping List

This solution outlines all the necessary equipment and supplies to start a healthy 20-55 gallon freshwater fish tank. Once you've made your equipment choices, check out the links below for everything from setting up to regular maintenance.

4. Setting Up - 16 Basic Steps
5. Your New Tank - Things to Keep in Mind
6. Understanding the Nitrogen Cycle
7. Water Quality
12. Freshwater Aquarium Maintenance

• 20-55 Gallon Tank - a home for your fish			see your dealer
• Hood/Lighted Hood - for containment & brilliant color. A must for live plants.			see your dealer
• Undergravel or Box Filter - filters water & keeps tank clean			Steller S-40 Air Pump Hagen AquaClear Box Filter
• Air Pump/Powerhead - adds aeration & powers undergravel filter			Hagen Powerhead
• Airline Tubing - from undergravel filter or airstones to air pump			Air Line Tubing, Silicone/PVC Blend
• Check Valve - keeps water from siphoning back to air pump			Hagen Plastic Airline Check Valve
•Gang Valve - allows division of air flow from pump			Air Flow Adjuster, dual outlet gang valve
• Heater, 100-150 watts - keeps water temperature stable			Theo 100watt Heater, Submersible Theo 150watt Heater Submersible
• Thermometer - monitors water temperature			Floating Thermometer
• Gravel, 25-60lbs - helps aquarium filtration, adds decoration & plant substrate			Gravel
• Chlorine Remover - prepares tap water for use			AquaLife Complete
Starting Bacteria Culture - lessens the chance of fish loss in new set ups			Activate FW 4oz or Aquarium Cleaner
• Algae Scrubber - used for cleaning the glass			Deluxe Cleaning Pad
• Fish Net - for removing debris & fish from aquarium			Fish Catcher Net
• Food - use high quality foods & feed a variety of at least two types			Freshwater Flake, .72oz and Vivid Color Flakes, .72oz

• Additional Filtration - very important in heavily loaded tanks		Fluval 205 Cannister Filter
• Gravel Cleaner - helps make partial water changes & remove debris		Gravel Cleaner, 10"
• Ammonia Test Kit - use regularly to monitor water		Ammonia Test Kit
• Nitrite Test Kit - used to monitor water		Nitrite Test Kit
• pH Test Kit - used to monitor water		pH Test Kit
• Save money! Ammonia, Nitrite and pH in one kit.		Freshwater Test Kit
• Lift Tube Algae Cleaner - used to clean algae in undergravel lift tubes		Fluval Brush Kit
• Plastic or Live Plants - give fish places to hide & live plants help water quality		Decorative Plants
• Decorations - for fish to hide & feel at home		Decorations
• Aquarium Backing - adds complete look & hides filters hanging on back of tank		Scenic Aquarium Backing
• Aquarium Salt - a little will benefit most aquarium fish		Aquarium Salt

Purchasing Fish

Buy only a few inexpensive fish (6-10) at first and make sure they are hardy species. It is not uncommon to lose a few fish in the initial stages. Bacterial additions every time new fish are added will help prevent this. Buy only fish that are treated before they are purchased and are treated in the bag when you purchase them. This is a sign of a quality dealer who cares about the livestock and the customer.