New tank questions

[fish_guy]

 I am setting up a new shrimp tank

The tank is a 20 gallong long. 30"X12"X12"

 I will be using aqua shrimp sand for substrate.

 I plan on using Crypts, and several mosses, as well as drift wood and cholla wood in the tank.

 Lighting will be 3 watt Led strip light with total watts of 108.(yes its overkill)

 I am taking an active sponge filter as well as a canister filter from an established tank on it

 The canister filter has a UV sterilizer on it,surface skimmer, and a spray bad for the return.

 How much sand should I leave open for the shrimp VS just places for them to climb and hang out?

 How many shrimp can I keep in 20 gallons?

 I love blue rille and several other of the blue shrimp.

 Any suggestions as to what type breed true?

 And having active filters for this tank, how soon can I put shrimp in it?

 I was planning on waiting at least two weeks for the plants to settle in a bit.

 

 My last question.

 I love pygmy corries.

 They grow to about 1 1/2 cm.

 Would a fish that small be safe with shrimp?

 if not would bushy nosed plecos or otos be safe with shrimp?

 Thanks for anny suggestions.

 I will post build pictures as I go here

 

[Shrimp lover]

Yes, the pygmy cories and otos would definitely be safe! The BN plecos produce a lot of waste, so I would suggest not getting them!

[chibikaie]

Just a tip, crypts are very happy with low to medium levels of lighting, and if you are setting out with overpowered lighting, you may be looking at an algae bloom. Match your light to your plant needs - usually costs less and uses less electricity, too. If you already have the light, raise it up to cut the intensity, and/or add floating plants.

[fish_guy]

Chibikaie I do usually use floating plants as well.

They seem to make great nitrate sponges and fertilizer for my garden.

Crypts main be the main focus but I plan on using stem plants as well.