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ATL_Scouter

Aquarium Novice with first Planted Tank - Advice

Help/Advice

First Planted Tank

I am an aquarium novice, and this is my first planted tank (photo taken right after adding plants).

Anubias on the right and all ferns are glued to the decorations, otherwise everythign is embedded in the substrate which has DustinsFishTanks Dirt pack under Aquarium sand as well as a few Aquarium Co-Op fertilizer pellets. I did not buy an aquarium light for the tank, I had a GE Grow Light I got on clearance at Lowes a couple of years ago (https://www.lowes.com/pd/GE-1-in-1-Light-White-40-Watt-Single-LED-Grow-Light/1001222420) which is the same width as the tank. Is this safe to use on the tank, or is it too bright? 6-8 hours a day too much?

I have a Fluval AC30 Hang on Back Filter and an Aquarium Co-Op Medium Sponge Filter, will this be sufficient filtration? This is a 20G Tall.

Any recommendations before I start adding fish (water tests reading in the optimal ranges, and tank was partially filled with water from my other tanks)?

I am thinking a few corydoras, a small pack (8-ish) of schooling fish like tetras, and a couple of dwarf gourami. I have only ever kept black mollies, a betta, and a bristle nose pleco before, so looking for easy fish to continue my journey in the hobby.

Posted Nov 14, 2025, 1:59 PM UTC

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