Stocking question for 29 gallons

[anewbie]

I have a stocking question. Maybe I should write out all my current questions and cram them into one post.
The people on this site never cease to amaze me with their knowledge.
I repicked up this hobby two months ago with a 15ish year break. BUT this time around I'm not a teenager and open to suggestions. (Not all teens, just me)
I'm in a rural area, and the nearest larger city has 2 chain pet stores with fish. I'm not having the best luck and also still playing catchup.
I've been told tank is too small for 4 betta, 6 Cory's, and 6 otos. I have the 4 betta, 4 Cory's (just added 2 today) and 1 oto. I had 3 otos but 2 died. The store stock seems hit or miss on survivability. Both stores claimed otos would be restocked next week, but don't always get what they've ordered.
My big question. IF I did try for 4 betta, 6 oto, and 6 Cory's (oops forgot shelldon the snail) would it be an overload in 29 gallons?
If it is, would 4 betta, 4 cory, and 4 oto, with the snail be ok?
I don't just want them to survive. I want them to also thrive. I'll do what's necessary.

I presume you are talking about a betta sority - this can work in a 29 with proper scaping plant cover but it strongly depends on the type of female and if they were raised together - even then when they become adults it can be iffy. Otto require a very mature aquarium that has ample supply of bio-film. I picked up 8 from petco (but i made sure they had been in the store for several weeks before purchase); and they have done well but my aquarium had been setup for a year prior to adding and is heavily planted et all. You can keep 6 cory of most species but most spieces of cory prefer 76-78 and betta will prefer 80ish temp - so there is a slight overlap - but it depends on the cory species - panda prefer cooler sterbai do better warmer.

I really would skip the betta sority unless you know a breeder or have extra aquariums to sep them if things don't work out. Also be aware that even if they behave when you first add them to the aquarium that might not be the case in a month or two. Last but least make sure there are hiding places in the aquarium (well scaped) in case there is aggression.
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I'm presuming you have a standard 29 which is 12 inches wide 18 inches high and 30 inches long.

 

[anewbie]

Or I see peat moss can be added to the filter. Anyone have experience with that?

You do not want to start messing with the chemistry of your water at your experience level. It leads to all sort of issues long term (watrer changes et all) that you have to deal with - it is best to buy fishes suitable to your tap parameters.

 

[CapnSmee]

You do not want to start messing with the chemistry of your water at your experience level. It leads to all sort of issues long term (watrer changes et all) that you have to deal with - it is best to buy fishes suitable to your tap parameters.

Thank you for the advice