Lets grow some elodea in a 20 gallon truvu

I got myself this small freshwater tank and I want to keep it low maint and simple. Some elodea and a few fish, something that can sustain itself if I am gone for a few days. I have had 3 or 4 freshwater tanks, mostly with angelfish and convicts. None have I ever tried to grow any plants in. I can see where elodea would be a plant that does best with lots of space and water, maybe I'm wasting my time? I don't want a ton, I just want it to grow a little. My basic questions are: Sand or gravel, or that quartz gravel that holds the ph? How do I light it? Just get a few fish to feed the elodea?

I have this Eheim ecco 2234 filter as recommended by a friend.

I need some good information on the right light, this 14w Power GLO seems adequate.

I used to put discus buffer and neutral regulator in my angel fish tank's, what about doing something like acid or alkaline buffers here? Any ideas on fish that like that?

Cheers!

 

In a small system like that, avoid buffers. For stability issues, simply buy/make RO water. Your system will stay a lot more stable.

You 14w bulb wont do the job. On a 20g, I would go with a 55w PC 10,000/6,700. You can go lower to a 36w, but I like a 55w more.

For fish, there are tons of them, tetras are your best bet if you want an active system.

 

I agree about not adding salt with these fish.
As for substrate, there are now substrates available specifically for planted aquariums:
http://www.3reef.com/forums/planted-tank/caribsea-eco-complete-substrate-30009.html

 

Some developments on my planted aquarium

Ok guys, lots has happened and I think things are looking good. My tank is a 10 gallon, I got a 40w power compact light on it. Choralife (spelling) substrate for planted aquariums. For a filter I am running an Eheim Ecco 2234. Big piece of drift wood and 4 different types of plants going. Attached is a picture before I put the fish in last week. The fish have been an interesting adventure. I had to adjust my KH pretty significantly. KH is new to me (Im used to PH) but I guess its measured in PPM? My water first tested really low, like only 3 drops of regent to make the sample turn completely yellow. I think that means 30ppm (maybe). After adding the required 4 : 1 ration of buffer and regulator, I can move it to around 70ppm but it only seems to stay there for 24 hours. Im wondering if adding what seems like a lot of chem to the tank for the first 10 days of fish is normal to get it to stabilize.

 

nice little set-up.

Yeh, I wouldn't worry too much about your kh at those levels. It all depends on what livestock will be in the system. And yeh, I would avoid dosing large amounts of buffers in your size of a tank.

btw, is the substrate you are using Pure Laterite?