A 20 gallon long reef tank is one of the most popular types of aquariums, due to its smaller size and the fact that reef tanks require more maintenance than other types of aquariums. They are also popular because they can be set up relatively quickly and easily, and can be a great way to get started in the hobby of fishkeeping. But when it comes to stocking your tank, it’s important to know how many fish you can safely put in a 20 gallon long reef tank.
What Size is a 20 Gallon Long Reef Tank?
A 20 gallon long reef tank is a standard rectangle aquarium that is 30 inches long and 12 inches wide, with a height of 17-20 inches. This tank size is often referred to as a “long” because it is longer than it is wide, as opposed to a “tall” which is taller than it is wide.
How Many Fish Can Fit in a 20 Gallon Long Reef Tank?
The amount of fish that can fit in a 20 gallon long reef tank will depend on a variety of factors, such as the size and species of the fish, the type of setup, and the level of maintenance that you are able to provide. Generally speaking, you should only keep one or two fish in a 20 gallon long reef tank, with a maximum of three if the fish are smaller and the tank is heavily planted. You may be able to keep more fish if the tank is larger, but this should only be done if you are able to provide the necessary care and maintenance that these fish require.
What Types of Fish Should I Put in a 20 Gallon Long Reef Tank?
When it comes to stocking your 20 gallon long reef tank, you should aim to choose fish that are not too large, as they will require more space and more maintenance than smaller fish. Some good choices for a 20 gallon long reef tank include damselfish, clownfish, gobies, dottybacks, blennies, and dwarf angelfish. You should also opt for fish that are reef-safe, as they will not harm any of the corals or invertebrates that you may have in your tank.
How Many Invertebrates Can I Put in a 20 Gallon Long Reef Tank?
In addition to fish, you can also keep a variety of invertebrates in your 20 gallon long reef tank, such as snails, crabs, shrimps, and starfish. These animals can help to keep your tank clean by feeding on algae and detritus, as well as providing a bit of interest to your tank. It is important to note, however, that some invertebrates may be aggressive towards each other or towards your fish, so it is best to research each species before adding them to your tank.
What Other Factors Should I Consider When Stocking a 20 Gallon Long Reef Tank?
When stocking your 20 gallon long reef tank, you should consider the type of filtration that you are using, as this will determine how many fish you can safely keep in your tank. You should also consider the amount of live rock and live sand that you have in your tank, as these will provide hiding places and food for your fish. Finally, you should also consider the amount of light that your tank receives, as some species of fish will require more light than others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a 20 gallon long reef tank?
A 20 gallon long reef tank is a standard rectangle aquarium that is 30 inches long and 12 inches wide, with a height of 17-20 inches.
How many fish can fit in a 20 gallon long reef tank?
The amount of fish that can fit in a 20 gallon long reef tank will depend on a variety of factors, such as the size and species of the fish, the type of setup, and the level of maintenance that you are able to provide. Generally speaking, you should only keep one or two fish in a 20 gallon long reef tank, with a maximum of three if the fish are smaller and the tank is heavily planted.
What types of fish should I put in a 20 gallon long reef tank?
When it comes to stocking your 20 gallon long reef tank, you should aim to choose fish that are not too large, as they will require more space and more maintenance than smaller fish. Some good choices for a 20 gallon long reef tank include damselfish, clownfish, gobies, dottybacks, blennies, and dwarf angelfish. You should also opt for fish that are reef-safe, as they will not harm any of the corals or invertebrates that you may have in your tank.
How many invertebrates can I put in a 20 gallon long reef tank?
In addition to fish, you can also keep a variety of invertebrates in your 20 gallon long reef tank, such as snails, crabs, shrimps, and starfish. These animals can help to keep your tank clean by feeding on algae and detritus, as well as providing a bit of interest to your tank. It is important to note, however, that some invertebrates may be aggressive towards each other or towards your fish, so it is best to research each species before adding them to your tank.
What other factors should I consider when stocking a 20 gallon long reef tank?
When stocking your 20 gallon long reef tank, you should consider the type of filtration that you are using, as this will determine how many fish you can safely keep in your tank. You should also consider the amount of live rock and live sand that you have in your tank, as these will provide hiding places and food for your fish. Finally, you should also consider the amount of light that your tank receives, as some species of fish will require more light than others.
Do fish need other fish to be happy in a 20 gallon long reef tank?
No, fish do not need other fish to be happy in a 20 gallon long reef tank, although some fish may be happier when kept in groups. It is important to research the species that you are looking to keep before adding them to your tank, as some fish are more social than others and will do better when kept in groups.
What type of maintenance will a 20 gallon long reef tank require?
A 20 gallon long reef tank will require regular maintenance, such as water changes, testing water parameters, and cleaning the tank and equipment. It is also important to ensure that the tank is properly lit for the species of fish and invertebrates that you are keeping, as well as providing a variety of hiding places and food sources.
Can I combine different types of fish in a 20 gallon long reef tank?
Yes, you can combine different types of fish in a 20 gallon long reef tank, provided that they are compatible and that you can provide the necessary care and maintenance for all of them. It is important to research each species before adding them to your tank, as some fish can be aggressive towards each other or towards other fish.
What temperature should I keep my 20 gallon long reef tank at?
The ideal temperature for a 20 gallon long reef tank is between 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to monitor the temperature of your tank regularly as fluctuations in temperature can be detrimental to the health of your fish and invertebrates.
Can I keep corals in a 20 gallon long reef tank?
Yes, you can keep corals in a 20 gallon long reef tank, provided that you can provide the necessary care and maintenance for them. It is important to research each type of coral before adding them to your tank, as some corals may require different lighting and water parameters than others.
What type of filter should I use in my 20 gallon long reef tank?
The type of filter that you should use in your 20 gallon long reef tank will depend on the type of fish and invertebrates that you are keeping, as well as the size of the tank. Generally speaking, a hang-on-back filter, such as a canister filter, is the best choice for a 20 gallon long reef tank, as it is easy to maintain and can provide the necessary filtration for your tank.
How often should I change the water in my 20 gallon long reef tank?
It is recommended that you change 10-15% of the water in your 20 gallon long reef tank every week or two, or 25-30% every month. It is important to use a water conditioner when adding new water to the tank to remove any chlorine or chloramines from the water.
Can I add live rock to my 20 gallon long reef tank?
Yes, you can add live rock to your 20 gallon long reef tank, as it will provide beneficial bacteria and habitats for your fish and invertebrates. It is important to research the type of live rock that you are looking to add, as some live rocks may contain corals or other organisms that you may not