cloud_a_rama@yahoo.com

Question
Hey there, here are the specifics I have a 20 gallon long tank, eclipse hood with dual fluorescent lamps. Soon there will be Eco substrate, a co2 fermentation system with analog co2 monitor to supply the plants I intend on planting in the aquarium. A Whisper 60 air pump, 150watt heater set and stable at 79.5 which is the current temp of the tank she has been in.
Currently there is only an Opaline gourami in to start the nitro cycle (on day 3 with fish ammonia = .25ppm which is today1/6/08). Once the tank is established there will be a large albino rainbow shark moved in, as she is the intended occupant since she is 4yrs old and has outgrown her 10 gal. My question is two fold, 1) which other fish and their numbers should I consider to use as her tank mates. The gourami can be relocated to allow for other choices should their be a conflict, and 2) which plants should I consider when planting. So none of the fish eat them all up.
There are so many resources on the web that all relay different info. With this tank I want to set up properly not just purchase whatever the person selling me the stuff suggests. And ppour my money into plants or fish that will be eaten.
Also any kind of charts to show a realistic compatibility for any of the above would be greatly welcomed.

Thanks


Answer
Matt,
what is the output of the lights and what spectrum are you running>?
that will dicate what plants you will want to use.
Swords, Crypts, Crispus, etc...there are TONS to choose from.
My suggestion would be decide what the tank population is going to be species, numbers and plant to accomodate that.
If you go to any plant seller usually they have "planting packages" available, you could check those out and make decisions based on what they sell in the packages, just tailor it to fit your needs.
I would steer clear of cichlids as them and plants dont get along that well.
Angels and Discus not withstanding and a few of the dwarfs are OK as well.
The majority of the cichlids will dig or just rip them up for something to do.
Do some research and let me know what you come up with and we can look a little closer from that.