Wow there are soo many great fish!
Most 🐟 need at least 6< same species pals to be at ease.
Some are solo, a ♀♂  pair or harem(♀2+ to ♂1).

If you want multi-species tank consider collecting 🐟 that occupy different levels- Top, Middle, Bottom.
Too many 🐟 in one level can lead to territorial conflicts.🗡️
Using Hardscape🪾🪨& Plants🌱 breaks "line of sight", gives 🐟 their own territories & quells conflicts.🕊️
If you aren't sure- get a bigger tank.🎁

Use this fish stocking guide to check behavior capability, water parameters and the filtration requirements.

Buy Equipment and decor that benefits the animals you are bringing in.
There are “ready-to-go” aquarium kits at Petco, PetSmart, and Chewy ($120–$600)-often low quality and incomplete🔥💸

Certain species need driftwood, sand, caves, plants and specific set ups to express their natural behavior--
and some need lids to stop them from expressing themselves out of the tank!🦘💞
*Note: some species can "rehydrate", even if it's been several hours outside of water. Research!

Substrate, Hardscape, Plants
➡️🪇FUN: Build the tank! Add water and dechlorinator, turn on the filter and heater.
➡️🛑Wait: Nitrogen Cycle Time! 30-60+days

Setup for 20g Long Aquarium - $655USD
There are “ready-to-go” aquarium kits at Petco, PetSmart, and Chewy ($120–$600)- often low quality and incomplete 🔥💸
Equipment: $462
Tank 20g Long($40) *Petco/PetSmart have a 1/2 off all tanks sale a few times a year
Stand($190)
Filter($50)
Light($60)
Heater($26)
Net($5)
Lid($26)
Aquarium tool kit($16)
Syphon($40)
5 gallon bucket($4)
Powerstrip ($6)

Water Treatment $58
Seachem Prime($18)
API Freshwater Master Test Kit($40)

Decor $134 Substrate, Hardscape, Plants
8lb AquaSoil ($17)
20lb Black sand ($25)
3 Java Fern ($7each)
2 Anubias ($7each)
2 Tall Anubias ($7each)
1 Vallisneria Americana ($8)
Decorative wood ($25)
Decorative rocks ($10)

🛑Wait 30-60 days until daily water tests have proven the bacteria is ready for fish🛑

Animals for a 20 gallon Tank- $0- $900
Buy captive/ "Tank Bred" fish🌍Only add one species group at a time
General rule: add hardy, peaceful species first- territorial and sensitive last.

🛑Wait 7-30 days-ish per group, until water tests have proven the bacteria is ready for fish🛑Bigger bioload=more waiting time.
It is recommended that new fish be quarantined in their own tank 2 weeks to observe for illness before being added to a community tank..

What method is best for adding fish to the tank?
Always have clean hands when doing tank chores. Sunscreen, perfume or cleaning chemicals can effect senstive fish.
"Plop & Drop Method "- float bag 20mins to temperature match, pour bag water & fish into net over a container, then gently place fish in tank, turn off tank lights for 8hrs.
"Drip Acclimation"- float bag 20mins to temperature match, pour bag water & fish into a container, water from tank slowly drips and mixes with container(30-40mins), gently catch fish with a net and place fish in tank, turn off tank lights for several hours so fish can relax.
*The traveling bag water generally should not be added to the aquarium.

Stocking - $165USD
Mid water:
1 ♂ Honey Gourami $8/ea.
10 Celestial Pearl Danios (CPDs) $5/ea.
12 Chili Rasbora $5/ea.
Bottom:
6 Dwarf Kuhli Loaches $4/ea. (provide a sandy area)(lid) 
2 Horned Nerite Snails $6/ea.
2 Amano Shrimp $5/ea
Food:
Hikari micro pellets, micro sinking pellets(for loaches), Fluval Bug Bites, baby brine shrimp (BBS), microworms, live moina/daphnia
Temp:
75F
Establish A Healthy Nitrogen Cycle in the Water First-> then
Add Honey Gourami 🛑test NH3, NO2 & NO3 in water after 1-2 weeks➡️
then Celestial Pearl Danios (CPDs), Chili Rasboras 🛑test NH3, NO2 & NO3 in water after 1-2 weeks➡️
and Kuhli Loaches.
Add shrimp and snails last after algae and biofilm is established in the tank.

Alternatives to Celestial Pearl Danios (CPDs)/Chili Rasbora:
A group of small peaceful schooling fish: Harlequin Rasbora, Ember Tetra, Tucano Tetra, Neon Tetra, Eight Banded False Barb, Golden Dwarf Barb
Alternative to sand loving Kuhli Loach group:
1 Bristlenose Pleco with wood and a cave or friendly scavengers Pygmy Corys, Corydoras, Kuhli Loaches or peaceful bottom dwellers- Malayan Yellow Pygmy Catfish, Dwarf Horse-Faced Loach
Alternative to Horned Nerite Snails and Amano Shrimps:
Ramshead Snails, Nerite Snails, Pinocchio Shrimps, Cherry Red/blue/yellow/striped Shrimps