What all do i need for a Red Tail Shark?

Hi, i am planning on getting a Red Tail Shark tomorrow. I plan to put it into a 20 gallon long tank. What im wondering is what the setup should be, spending the least money possible.

I know i need:



20 gallon long tank

Hood/light to fit

Filter

Heater

Rocks and things



Why dont they sell 20 long tanks and a hood as a set? I cant find anything like that anywhere!

Any info on how it should be setup or changes to what im getting will help! thanksWhat all do i need for a Red Tail Shark?
To be honest more like 30-35 gallons would be better for this fish. And if you hunt around you should be able to find tanks that are all in one, some including filters and even heaters. Snoop around aquatic stores and check out brands, google for better prices!



Don't forget to put it through the nitrogen cycle first!What all do i need for a Red Tail Shark?
Have you cycle you tank? If not he will more then likely die.



http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.ht



Red tails need lots of hiding places! To make them feel safe and secure.



So a few plants and good size rocks with a nice size hole should do the trick. Whatever you think will look nice.



And be prepared they can live up to ten years. A friend of mines parents have had the same red tail for 13 years!



You need to get an air pump and place in an air stone. Thermometer to check the temp.



Also food would be nice. They will eat just about anything...well not anything but i mean any type of fish food.



Oh and if you going for cheap you came into the wrong hobby.



And about 20 long tank thing i know what you are taking about...when i fist started i was like wtf! It's like the perfect size for beginners! Not big but not two small and its not tall! don't get me started on tall tanks!



Any ways that should help. And for algae if you don't want to use chemicals. you should get a few Otocinclus Catfish. Can be found in just about any pet store.

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_



Overall if you still want to know more. just google Red Tail Shark and see what you get.What all do i need for a Red Tail Shark?
Red Tail Sharks are great.



A rocky and planted set up would be best suited for a Red Tail Shark.

They can grow quite big in scale with the other fish that you may have in your tank. I had mine in a 3ft tank and it grew to about 10cm.



Be aware that they do have multiple personalities. One day they are the most placid fish and the next they will chase and nip at tank mates. They are mostly on the placid side though.



They prefer acid/neutral water with a temperature anywhere between 23 to 27 degrees C.

(Hint) I tend to leave my water temp at 26 degrees C and the water neutral as it tends to be a happy medium for most fish.



Make sure you buy a Ph test kit. It is vital to regularly test and change the water to the conditions that are best suited to the fish you buy. Eg. Setting water to neutral.



If you are only just starting out and have just put water in the tank make sure you have cycled the tank. Meaning that you have the water, filter and heater runnnig for around a week first before placing any fish in the tank. This builds up the bacteria cycle which makes the tank livable for fish. If this is not done your fish will surely die.



I hope this information helps.



Good luck.



Shawn