54" Of Fish In A 29 Gallon Tank? Huh?

[ab420]

My local fish store is telling me that I would be ok with 9 Neon Rosy Barbs and 6 Buenos Aires Tetras in my 29 gallon tank, but Neon's get to about 4" in aquariums and the Tetras will hit 3", so (9x4")+(6x3")=54", shouldn't I need like a 55 gallon tank for that?

 

[Boxermom]

I make it a habit to never listen to anything LPS/LFS staff have to say. They very rarely know what they are talking about.

 

[PaulEbs]

My local fish store is telling me that I would be ok with 9 Neon Rosy Barbs and 6 Buenos Aires Tetras in my 29 gallon tank, but Neon's get to about 4" in aquariums and the Tetras will hit 3", so (9x4")+(6x3")=54", shouldn't I need like a 55 gallon tank for that?

I wouldn't trust my local with a candle - let alone giving me advice on living things.

The only LFS who have ever given me any good advice was Maidenhead Aquatics - so in my honest opinion, if it isn't them - don't listen.

Best thing to do is ask on here before you make any decisions, and treat your LFS employees like cashiers & bag packers.

You would need a larger aquarium for that amount of fish - nicely done for querying it though.

Paul.

 

[ab420]

Ok, I talked with him today, and didn't really let on that I thought he was being sly or anything, and just kind of asked if that would be too much when they got older...
Well, I had been talking with him a few days ago about how I am planning on getting a 55 gallon soon, and I had been asking him a lot of questions about moving fish from one tank to another, so he assumed I meant that the fish in the 29 gallon were going into the 55 gallon. But, I was talking about moving other fish into a 10 gallon I set up the other day, so it was a miscommunication. I really didn't think he was misinforming me, as he is always helping me out and giving me free stuff, and he even gave me a card that gives me a discount if he's not there. He owns a lot of fish himself, so I really didn't think he didn't know what he was talking about either, that's why I was so confused, he's like my guru!

So, if they were going in a 55 gallon, then 9 Rosy's and 6 Buenos Aires Tetras would be perfect, so for what he thought I was asking, he was giving the right answer, I just need to be more clear with my questions I guess!

 

[smithrc]

For a 55 gal - it'll look empty with just those fish in it...

The inch / gallon rule is just a guide... if you add more filtration you can have more fish... as long as you monitor your levels you'll be fine

I could shock people with the stock list in our 100 us gal tank - but its a long list and will just cause arguements. BUT just to get my point across... we have over 200" of fish in the tank (at their current sizes) and the tank looks great

In the long run, some fish will need bigger homes (cant wait for that day to come for the clowns )

There are no hard and fast rules to stocking levels - its about the water quality and the physical room.

As long as you monitor the water, you'll know that your stocking is ok and your filter is coping.

Once your happy with the way the tank looks. stop stocking it (and start planning the next one )

 

[reg]

Neon tetras get to 4 inches?!

 

[smithrc]

Neon tetras get to 4 inches?!

I thought that too... till i re-read the first post... neon rosey tetras?? never heard of that name before so I cant comment on size

 

[ab420]

Neon tetras get to 4 inches?!

I thought that too... till i re-read the first post... neon rosey tetras?? never heard of that name before so I cant comment on size

Neon Rosy BARBS! They can get up to 6" in the wild, but more like 3.5-4" in aquariums.