Help Stocking A 29 Gallon Tank - Thoughts On My Plan?

[UpToTheGills]

Hi everyone! I'm in the process of setting up a 29gallon tank. I will be using a piece of plexi glass cut to size, with a hole cut out for the filter, as a lid. First off - will full spectrum lighting be stopped by the plexiglass? If so, what do you suggest as an alternative? I will be doing a fishless cycle using media from a tank that has been established for years. From what I have read, I have a chance of this establishing an almost instant cycle. Is that right? Either way, I have an API freshwater testing kit that I use for my other tanks and will be testing daily for stability. The tank will be planted. I plan on starting with a few amazon sword plants since I like the look of them and from what I have read they're easy to keep.
I plan on decorating the tank with some driftwood, a clay pot, some caves and rocks.

The rundown:

Tank size: 29 gallon, 30" X 12" X 18"; I bought it lidless but am having a piece of plexiglass cut to cover the top, with a space cut out to fit the filter
Filter: Penguin bio-wheel power filter, 200 (for up to 50 gallon tanks)
Heater: Tetra submersible heater for 10-30 gallon tanks (I use these in both my other tanks and love them so far, only heaters that I've tried that have effortlessly kept a stable temperature in my tanks despite a fluctuating temperature in the room)

Proposed stocking:
2X Bolivian Rams
1X Kribensis
1X Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid
1X Bristlenose Pleco
2X Black Mollies
10X Cherry Shrimp
5X Ghost Shrimp (mostly in case the cherry shrimp don't last)

Does this sound like an okay mix for this size of tank with this type of filtration and lots of plants? I really like Mollys and would love to be able to add a few to the mix. I keep up with my water changes - I find it relaxing so frequent pwcs are not a problem for me. Does anyone have experience keeping mollys with dwarf cichlids? Also, I know the kribs are an African species but have read of people mixing them with CA dwarfs without a problem. Worst case I have a spare 20 gallon, and my lfs is good about taking fish back.

I believe with this stocking I'm at capacity in a 29 gallon. If you think I can add anything (mostly thinking small bottom feeders) I'm open to suggestions. I'm pretty set on the dwarfs but the numbers can be played with. From my understanding they should be okay together but please advise. Personal experiences are always helpful.

I'm also hoping to have the shrimp breed so I have some extras to toss in as treats for my convict. I have read conflicting info regarding the safety of cherry shrimp with dwarf cichlids so I figure I'll give it a shot, and just keep ghosts if the cherrys don't make it.

Any and all suggestions are welcome. Thanks in advance!

 

[Gvilleguy]

Hi - welcome to the forum!

I will only comment on what I know from experience, and this is just my opinion, of course:

1. I think you should only put 2 x Rams or 2 x Apistos, but not 3 in that size range. I have 26 gallons and 2 rams was just about capacity for those fish. I think both types are territorial and need their space.
2. I believe the dwarf cichlids will munch on the cherries. Perhaps not if they are full grown, but I do believe you will be taking a chance there.

 

[Billsfan905]

I keep my mollies with my two bolivian rams and they get along great, they pretty much ignore each other. They're in a 29 gallon tank as well.

 

[Ruskull]

The Marineland Penguin 200 is a good solid filter and more than enough for a 29 gallon tank. I also agree that it should be 2X Bolivian Rams OR 2X Apistos. There just isn't enough of a footprint in that size tank to allow similar sized semi aggressive fish to have their own territories. I have a pair of Bolivians in a 20 gallon and that's really pushing it a bit. Maybe a small school of Black Phantom Tetras or something similar could fill the middle region nicely? My Bolivians actually get along fine with a Platy.

 

[UpToTheGills]

Hey guys, thanks for your input!

Based on the advice given, here is my revised stocking list:
2X Bolivian Rams
1X Kribensis
1X Bristlenose Pleco
2X Black Mollies
15X Ghost Shrimp

What do you think of this? I'm assuming I couldn't do a pair of kribs, since two pairs of dwarf cichlids seems like a bad idea in a tank that size. I'll stick with the ghost shrimp and see if my betta will tolerate cherrys when I move him and the crew to the 20 gallon tank. I'm really happy to hear that It will probably be okay putting the mollies in there with the rams.

Having removed the cockatoo dwarf, can I add anything else? Can I maybe choose different mollies (as it seems the other colour varieties get larger) and if so which would you recommend, based on size? I fell in love with corydoras after putting some pandas with my betta, so if I can add some of these guys that would be nice too...I don't know if there is room for a decent enough school of them though. Thoughts?

Thanks again for your advice and input, it's very much appreciated!

Oh, one more thing - I use indian almond leaves in my betta tank. The cories love them and my betta seemed even happier and healthier after some time of use. Would these be beneficial for the above stocking, or should I leave them for the betta?

 

[UpToTheGills]

Hey, I was hoping I could get some thoughts on stocking this tank...I have had it up and running, cycled using mature media from another tank. It is heavily planted and currently houses 15 ghost shrimp, 1 adult molly (the second one died the night I brought it home), one small BN pleco, and 2 molly fry (the molly I bought was pregnant...I left two baby mollies in there to see how they would do and removed the rest, set up in their own tank and growing like beasts).

I would like to add 2 bolivan rams and hope I get a pair...OR add as many as 4 and hope to get a pair that chooses each other.

Down the road I'd also like to add one kribensis. I will probably remove the mollies eventually. I have spare tanks so that's not a problem. I was also thinking of adding some cory cats (false julii) since mine seem about ready to spawn. Is this okay for a final stocking in a heavily planted tank?

2x bolivian rams
1x kribensis
1x bristlenose pleco
15x ghost shrimp
6x cory cats

If I can leave a pair of mollies in there too that would be nice, but I think I'm more interested in another school of corys...I love the little guys.

 

[Murrayjane]

I know 29 gallons may seem like it would fit a lot of fish (if you follow the 1 inch per gallon rule), but the amount of fish that you are suggesting might not fit well in such a tank. The best thing to do in my opinion would be to just get the 2 bolivian rams, bristlenose pleco, and maybe 2 or 3 cory cats and wait a month to see how well your tank does. I wouldn't say that what your suggesting is completely unreasonable, but small steps will ensure that you have a healthy and compatible tank. The last thing you want to do is find out that they are too congested or not compatible, then your in a dilemma.

 

[Gvilleguy]

I agree with migrating additional stock into the tank somewhat slowly. But regarding putting the Krib in with Bolivian Rams, I don't think I have seen that combination before. I can't link the external web site, I found one site describing Kribs as competing for "bottom supremacy" with other territorial cichlids. Rams qualify as territorial.

Other than the Krib I think your list is fine.

 

[Murrayjane]

^^^ Agreed. If your sights are completely set on getting Bolivian Rams, I would just purchase them alone (maybe add the pleco) and see how you like it. With cichlids (Example: Rams) they become extremely territorial and if you try to add any other fish that will become competition for them, your likely on board for an unpleasant ride.

Quite honestly, by following this advice you might find that the tank seems too empty (due to the rams tendency to hide a lot). If this is the case, then you may want to consider getting a different pair of fish. Cave dwelling cichlid's are GREAT fish, but they are relatively a lot harder to keep due to their uncompromising incompatibility with many other fish.

Let me know if you need any further suggestions.

- Murray

 

[Gvilleguy]

Murray - do you happen to know if Apistos are less shy than the Rams? I've only had Rams, but am looking to try a pair of Apistos in the future.

 

[Murrayjane]

I understand that it depends on the species. Cacatuoides should be equal to or more active than Rams. Not sure if their aggression is any worse than Rams though. (Different species of Rams matter too). What size tank are you thinking of putting them in? (In this case, bigger isn't necessarily better).

If the rams/apistos feel comfortable in the tank, for example: just the pair and if they have lots of elevated and submerged caves, then this is going to greatly increase their activity.

 

[Gvilleguy]

Sorry for the sidebar, uptothegills - but - to Murray - I have a 26 gallon. I don't plan on getting apistos until my current Ram passes on. He is over two years old.

 

[Ruskull]

I also agree about the Krib not being a good tankmate for a pair of Bolivian Rams, especially in a tank that doesn't have that much length to it.

I'd also suggest some sort of middle range fish, it seems all your fish are bottom dwellers, except the Mollies anyway. A 29 gallon tank is a pretty tall tank that's just asking for some top & middle fish.

 

[Dieses Madchen]

I know 29 gallons may seem like it would fit a lot of fish (if you follow the 1 inch per gallon rule), but the amount of fish that you are suggesting might not fit well in such a tank. The best thing to do in my opinion would be to just get the 2 bolivian rams, bristlenose pleco, and maybe 2 or 3 cory cats and wait a month to see how well your tank does. I wouldn't say that what your suggesting is completely unreasonable, but small steps will ensure that you have a healthy and compatible tank. The last thing you want to do is find out that they are too congested or not compatible, then your in a dilemma.

IMO his proposed stocking is okay. It may seem like a lot do to the number of cherry shrimp but its really not. Provided that good filtration is available, you can somewhat fully stock a tank and it will be okay. Take my 30g tank. I have 10 neons, 10 Glowlights, 2 German Blue Rams, 4 Kuhli loaches, and a clown plec. Through routine water changes, my parameters are always no more that 0, 0, and 40ppm.

Cories will generally stick to the bottom area of the tank, and as most fish do not see them as a threat, they will be left alone. I have 11 cories in a 47g with bolivian rams, and there is complete peace with all fish. Other stocking in my 47g is 2 bolivian rams, 10 lampeye tetras, 6 buenos aires tetras, 9 kuhli loaches, 13 cories, 2 bristlenose plecs. All is peaceful and with adequate filtration, the fact that I overstock is not really relevant.

I will say that krib is probably out of place.

^^^ Agreed. If your sights are completely set on getting Bolivian Rams, I would just purchase them alone (maybe add the pleco) and see how you like it. With cichlids (Example: Rams) they become extremely territorial and if you try to add any other fish that will become competition for them, your likely on board for an unpleasant ride.

Quite honestly, by following this advice you might find that the tank seems too empty (due to the rams tendency to hide a lot). If this is the case, then you may want to consider getting a different pair of fish. Cave dwelling cichlid's are GREAT fish, but they are relatively a lot harder to keep due to their uncompromising incompatibility with many other fish.

Let me know if you need any further suggestions.

- Murray

Bolivian rams are actually extremely docile and their compatibility with a community tank is extrememly hihg, assuming that the tankmates can cope with the high temperatures needed to keep rams happy. Contrary to popular belief, even though rams are cichlids, their territorial aggression is no where near what you would see with a green terror or a jack dempsey. They are pretty much like a tetra and just happy to be there. I have never once seen aggression from any of my rams.

My rams are also always in the open and always wanting to interact. I come home from work, go to the tank, my rams come out to say hello. I have never seen them be shy, and you ideals that their uncompromising incompatibility making them harder to keep? I am not sure where you get your info, but what you descride is not a ram at all!!

I understand that it depends on the species. Cacatuoides should be equal to or more active than Rams. Not sure if their aggression is any worse than Rams though. (Different species of Rams matter too). What size tank are you thinking of putting them in? (In this case, bigger isn't necessarily better).

If the rams/apistos feel comfortable in the tank, for example: just the pair and if they have lots of elevated and submerged caves, then this is going to greatly increase their activity.

Still wondering where this altered, completely wrong perception of rams comes from because I cannot think of a single person on this forum that ever had compatibility issues with rams, aside from temperature.

 

[Murrayjane]

It seems Madchen shares a completely different view than me on the matter. LOL

Well here is one discussion (on another forum) found almost instantly on Bolivian Rams...

Bolivian Ram Agression

It regards rams being aggressive towards each other.

However, I do stand corrected by Madchen that BOLIVIAN RAMS are actually exceptionally docile towards other peaceful fish, yet if kept with something of a similar semi-aggressive nature are still susceptible to getting injured.

So my point still stands that if you mix bolivian rams with your original suggestion such as a cockatoo dwarf cichlid, Krib, or another semi aggressive cichlid, you run a risk of aggression from either side. ESPECIALLY if all of your fish are bottom dwellers.

That is why I would start with getting just the 2 alone and take small steps in developing your tank.

So YES Madchen is right and I am wrong. BOLIVIAN Rams are not aggressive towards other fish!!!!!

(Though why I needed to receive such a differing diagnosis/analysis of all 3 of my posts is beyond me... (plus one on another thread) Any disagreement or 'differing opinion' can be concluded with one simple response, not multiple responses that are in such a separative and destructive manner.)

So again, I apologize for giving the incorrect information about Bolivian Rams aggression towards other fish. I didn't realize that providing overly cautious advice or harmlessly incorrect advice could lead to such a disapproved chain of responses.