Stocking Advice For 29 Gal Low-Tech Tank

[Ciddire]

Hello again forum friends!
 
I need some help stocking my 29 Gal low-tech tank.
 
I currently am using half pebble / Eco-complete substrate.
 
The fish I am most interested in right now is the 

Celestial Pearl Danio 
 
My LFS has 6 of them and I plan on purchasing all of them once my fishless cycle is complete. (They are holding them for me and will release them to me after they test my fully cycled water )
 
What would be some good tank mates for these fishies?
 
I like white / black / red colors.
 
I really would like some shrimp and snails.
 
Thanks!
 

 

[hobby5]

Best would be some red fire shrimps and done. For a 29G tank you would rather like to have about 20-30 of the danios. You could also do a pair or two of honey gouramis but then without shrimps. You will need a heavily planted tank, at least the back and the sites of it.

 

[508]

You have a nice LFS that they actually keep your fish reserved for you, I asked mine to do it and they said no straight away lol.
 
Since Celestial Pearl Danios are so tiny, you probably want to have a group of 15 to 20 of them in your tank. Just remember, they are still quite skittish and also bloody expensive. 
 
Unless you really don't want any bigger centerpiece fish for your tank shrimps would be fine, but I think a small second tank would be better for it if you're really keen on having some.
 
Cories would be a great addition, the Pandas and Sterbai are my favourite in particular. They can be quite skittish at times, but they are very interesting and fun to watch when they do their own thing. Kuhli Loaches are also something you could look into. I can't exactly remember what substrate you were using, but these species only really do well in sand or fine gravel. Could always switch substrate though since tank is still in the making if you decide you really want cories or kuhlis. 
 
Otos are just brilliant, and I cannot recommend them more. They're great at cleaning the tank from algae, but more importantly they're just so darn cute. If you decide to get these, get at least 6 as they are quite social. 
 
Not sure what else you could really add if you want shrimp, but if you decide to go for more fish instead a ram or gourami would be good as a centerpiece. A lot more options really.

 

[Fishmanic]

I second the vote for Corys---Swartzi corys and Julii corys are my favorite.  Get at least 5 as they like to be in groups.  Great active fish to watch.

 

[brittgs]

If you like red, what about Cherry Barbs?  Mine stay mid to low level and seem to get along fine with my albino cores.

 

[Ciddire]

It's difficult to tell how many fish I can have in a tank and it seems the 1" per gallon rule is hotly debated.
 
I plan on adding lots of 'low-tech' plants to the tank today (My plants arrived at work and I can't wait to get home at 5PM LOL)
 
Would a makeup of the following work?
 
20 x Celestial Pearl Danios
10 x red cherry shrimp 
6 x Oto
6 x Sterbai Cory (so cute!)
1 x Pearl Gourami**
 
 
**It looks like the Pearl Gourami has been kept with shrimp because of it's peaceful attitude

 

[508]

I think that's a little too much, plus the Pearl Gourami will most likely eat the shrimp. If it fits into their mouths, they will eat it. 
 
A Honey Gourami might be a better idea. Or a German Blue Ram. Both pretty small.

 

[Ciddire]

I think that's a little too much, plus the Pearl Gourami will most likely eat the shrimp. If it fits into their mouths, they will eat it. 
 
A Honey Gourami might be a better idea. Or a German Blue Ram. Both pretty small.

 
Using the above fish, what would your recommended stocking numbers be? 

 

[508]

 

I think that's a little too much, plus the Pearl Gourami will most likely eat the shrimp. If it fits into their mouths, they will eat it. 
 
A Honey Gourami might be a better idea. Or a German Blue Ram. Both pretty small.

 
Using the above fish, what would your recommended stocking numbers be? 
 

 
Pretty much what you said, just replace the Pearl Gourami with a single centerpiece fish. I like German Blue Rams personally, mine has lots of character.

 

[hobby5]

Sterbai Cory need high temperatures and get too big for a 29G tank. Remember to use sand as substrate if you go for any cory or loach. GBRs will eat your shrimp too.

 

[508]

Sterbai Cory need high temperatures and get too big for a 29G tank. Remember to use sand as substrate if you go for any cory or loach. GBRs will eat your shrimp too.

 
They wouldn't get too big for a 29G, but yes they do need higher temps.

 

[Ciddire]

Based on the stockings of my LFS would the following fish work?
 
2 x flower shrimp
6 x peppered corys
12 x pearl danio
3 x mystery snails
1 x dwarf flame gourami 

 

[508]

Based on the stockings of my LFS would the following fish work?
 
2 x flower shrimp
6 x peppered corys
12 x pearl danio
3 x mystery snails
1 x dwarf flame gourami 

 
That's fine but like I keep saying, Pearl Danios are TINY so you won't even see them unless you have at least 30.

 

[Ciddire]

Those are all the Celestial Pearl Danios he has left. He also has some glowlight Danios too.
 
Would it be okay to mix those with the Celestials?
 
Another thing..
 
I picked up another HOB filter an Aqua-tech 20-40. I thought my filter died today but I was able to resolve the issue (The bio-wheel in my 200b was misaligned)
 
Do you think I should return the extra filter or go ahead and use it as well?