A 29 gallon aquarium is a perfect size for new aquarists and experienced hobbyists alike. It's large enough to contain a variety of different fish, and it's small enough to make it easy to maintain. When it comes to stocking your aquarium, there are many different types of fish to choose from.
It's important to note that not all fish have the same space requirements. For example, a small school of neon tetras may only take up a few inches of space in the tank, while a single large cichlid could take up several inches on its own. Additionally, some fish species are more sensitive to water quality and require more frequent water changes and filtration.
When determining how many fish to keep in a 29-gallon aquarium, it's important to research the specific fish species you're interested in and consider their size, growth potential, and bioload. Some fish species are more sensitive to poor water quality and require more frequent water changes, while others are hardier and can tolerate less-than-optimal water conditions. It's also important to consider other tank inhabitants, like live plants, snails, or shrimps, when determining how many fish to keep in a 29-gallon aquarium. These also have a bioload, and might require additional water changes and maintenance.
It's important to consider the type of fish you want to keep, for example, if you want to keep only one type of fish, you will be able to have more of them. But if you want to keep a variety of fish in your tank, you will have to limit the number of each species. Ultimately, it's always better to have fewer fish than to overcrowd your tank. Overcrowding can lead to poor water quality, which can stress or even kill your fish. It's best to err on the side of caution and start with a smaller number of fish, and then gradually add more as you become more comfortable with the maintenance of your aquarium.
Here are a few options that you may consider:
- Schooling fish: Fish like neon tetras, guppies, and danios are small and can be kept in a group.
- Small cichlids: Some smaller species of cichlids, such as Apistogramma or Rams, may be appropriate for a 29-gallon tank.
- Shrimp: Invertebrates such as cherry shrimp or ghost shrimp can be a good addition to a 29-gallon tank as they are small and don't require a lot of space.
- Snails: Mystery snails or nerite snails are examples of freshwater snails that are suitable for a 29-gallon tank.
- Community fish: Some community fish such as tetras, rasboras, and barbs that are small in size and can be kept in a group.
Tropical fish are a popular choice for aquariums because of their vibrant colors and interesting behaviors. Some examples of tropical fish that can be kept in a 29-gallon aquarium include:
- Small tetras: Some examples of small tetras that can be kept in a 29-gallon tank include neon tetras, cardinal tetras, and rummy nose tetras.
- Small livebearers: Some examples of small livebearers that can be kept in a 29-gallon tank include guppies, platies, and mollies.
- Small corydoras: These small catfish can be a great addition to a 29-gallon tank.
- Small gouramis: Some small gouramis such as honey gourami or dwarf gourami can be kept in a 29-gallon tank.
- Small angelfish: Some small angelfish species can be kept in a 29-gallon tank such as the pygmy angelfish.
It's important to remember that regardless of the fish species you select, a 29-gallon tank is still relatively small and will have limitations on the number of fish and the types of fish that can be kept. It's best to start with a small number of fish and gradually add more as you become more comfortable with the maintenance of your tank. It's also important to ensure that your tank is properly cycled and that you have the appropriate filtration and water-change schedule in place to maintain water quality.