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			TechnoFlo
• Air Pump/Powerhead - adds aeration & powers undergravel filter			Steller S-40 Air Pump Maxi-Jet 400 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			LZ 100watt Heater, Submersible LZ 150watt Heater Submersible
• Thermometer - monitors water temperature			Crystal Sea Thermometer, wide range
• 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			Nitromax Freshwater, 2oz or Aquarium Cleaner
• Algae Scrubber - used for cleaning the glass			Blue Algae Pad w/ 18" handle
• 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		Ecco 2234 Canister Filter or add a second
• Gravel Cleaner - helps make partial water changes & remove debris		Gravel Cleaner, 10"
• Ammonia Test Kit - use regularly to monitor water		Ammonia Test Kit Ammonia Kills!
• Nitrite Test Kit - used to monitor water		Nitrite Test Kit
• pH Test Kit - used to monitor water		pH, Economy Freshwater 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, 16oz
• Fish Books		The Simple Guide to Freshwater Fish, learn all you can

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.