Lets grow some elodea in a 20 gallon truvu

[davidestewart]

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!

[ReefPlayground]

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.

[Matt Rogers]

I agree about not adding salt with these fish.
As for substrate, there are now substrates available specifically for planted aquariums:
CaribSea Eco-Complete Substrate