New low tech planted tank questions!

[CMS]

I am planning on starting a 20 gallon long aquarium that would look like this:

- 1 Honey gourami
- 6 Harlequin Rasboras
- 6 Panda cory catfish
• Aquaclear 50 filter (200 gph)
• Ecocomplete substrate
• Plants: wisteria, water sprite, java moss, java fern, amazon sword, anubias, crypts

1. how should my cleaning schedule look? I have heard people say that you do not want to do water changes, but just top it off to prevent spikes in CO2. I also heard that some people hover over the substrate with the vac and some just mix it once in a while. Any recommendations?

2. Do I need to add fertilizer to start or periodically?

3. What order should I put the fish in after I perform a fishless cycle?

[artresz]

-For cleaning schedule, you'll probably have to learn as you go. No water changes works best for heavily planted tanks.
-Not entirely sure about the ferts but I do know ecocomplete has a good amount of nutrition for root feeders. You'll have to mess around with ferts and find out what nutritional needs you'll have.
-I always think adding fish slowly is what counts. The fish you have lined up will probably do fine no matter what order you put them in.

This site helped me a lot with info on ferts and well, everything.
http://www.sudeepmandal.com/hobbies/...ed-tank-guide/

[BBradbury]

Originally Posted by CMS

I am planning on starting a 20 gallon long aquarium that would look like this:

- 1 Honey gourami
- 6 Harlequin Rasboras
- 6 Panda cory catfish
• Aquaclear 50 filter (200 gph)
• Ecocomplete substrate
• Plants: wisteria, water sprite, java moss, java fern, amazon sword, anubias, crypts

1. how should my cleaning schedule look? I have heard people say that you do not want to do water changes, but just top it off to prevent spikes in CO2. I also heard that some people hover over the substrate with the vac and some just mix it once in a while. Any recommendations?

2. Do I need to add fertilizer to start or periodically?

3. What order should I put the fish in after I perform a fishless cycle?

Hello CMS...

It would be wise to check to make sure your fish are going to get along with one another, before you buy them. I have planted tanks, but don't do any vacuuming, just remove and replace half the tank water every week and replace the nutrients with some aquatic plant fertilizer.

I've never heard of a specific order for introducing fish, I just put them in once the tank is properly cycled.

Just one tank keeper's opinion, though. There are always alternatives.

B