Stocking Tank (29gal)

[Kurrent]

I’m looking for ideas to stock my 29 gallon tank. It’s fully cycled and already has 10 cherry shrimp, 5 amano shrimp, a dwarf Mexican lobster, and a female betta.
The tank is also planted.
I’d like a schooling fish but not sure what direction I’d like to go. I like the harlequin rasboras. Also maybe some Cory’s….?
Just very indecisive right now but I’m open to any ideas.

 

[Innesfan32 16]

I think your initial instincts about this are excellent. Harlequins especially. Most corys prefer cooler temps than bettas require but there are a few that are comfortable in warmer water, Hoplisoma sterbai and H. oiapoquensis come to mind. The former is a favorite of Discus-keepers who keep their tanks toasty warm. There's been a scientific revision in 'corys'. Both of the above were formerly Corydoras. And 'corys' is still the 'common' name for the lot of them.

One note of caution. Some bettas are intolerant. So the above is suggested providing your female allows it.

 

[Kurrent]

I think your initial instincts about this are excellent. Harlequins especially. Most corys prefer cooler temps than bettas require but there are a few that are comfortable in warmer water, Hoplisoma sterbai and H. oiapoquensis come to mind. The former is a favorite of Discus-keepers who keep their tanks toasty warm. There's been a scientific revision in 'corys'. Both of the above were formerly Corydoras. And 'corys' is still the 'common' name for the lot of them.

One note of caution. Some bettas are intolerant. So the above is suggested providing your female allows it.

Do you think a couple of otocinclus might be a good “gateway fish” to test the temperament of the betta?

 

[Innesfan32 16]

Many people struggle with Otocinclus. There's a current thread about one member's struggles. I'd be concerned that if they failed you wouldn't know whether it was the betta or their fragility. Also. they have unique food requirements, different from a betta's. I'd go with six Harlequins.

 

[Kurrent]

Okay, I’ll give them a go.

 

[Gertrudae]

I'd go with six Harlequins.

And add some more if the Betta behaves well. In 29gl / 110 lt I would go for a dozen or a bit more.
Or try to get T. espei; these are smaller and 20 would be possible.

 

[squirley]

Nice group, sounds like lots of diversity, i just noticed that amano shrimp look like miniature lobsters

 

[Kurrent]

My betta lady and my Mexican dwarf lobster

 

[Kurrent]

Update, I got 7 harlequins and my female betta has done really well! She was a little curious when they were floating in the bag but never flared up or acted aggressively. So far I haven’t seen her chase them once. If things continue to go well, I might consider looking at getting some more harlequins, another small school of fish, or just leaving it as is. I haven’t decided yet

 

[Innesfan32 16]

I bet you'll be okay. Personally, I think a larger school of Harlequins will not only make for a beautiful display but will be in the best interest of the fish. Glad to see this update.

 

[WhistlingBadger30 12]

That's great! I think you'll probably be OK with a 29g. It's big enough that the harleys and the betta can get away from each other if they need to. If you want some bottom feeders that will so well in warmer water, look into some of the smaller loaches, too. Dwarf chain loaches are a lot of fun if you get a school of them--very social and full of personality. Dwarf kuhli loaches (Pangio cuneovirgata) are fun too.