Way Too Many Choices...

[Default67]

After several weeks of research I have decided that I want to finally take the plunge and set up my first aquarium. I just started a fishless cycle today and am now really looking at stocking options. I have a 29 gallon tank with the dimensions 30-3/16"L x 12-1/2"W x 18-3/4"H. I do intend to plant it fairly heavily, but that is not necessarily a requirement. I have changed my mind about how I want the tank to look so many times that I just have no clue. So I'm asking for some ideas as well as input on the two setups that I'm thinking about. I have concerns that both may be too many fish or too large of fish.

The first would be about 6 Tiger Barbs, 4 Clown Loaches, and 1 Red Finned Shark. My concerns include the tank only being 29 gallon (especially for the shark) as well as possible aggression issues.

The second that I'm thinking is a little bit different with a combination of 4 Bronze Cory, 2 Albino Cory, 1 Dwarf Gourami, about 7 or 8 Bleeding Heart Tetras, 6 Cardinal Tetra, 6 Cherry Barbs, and 10 to 12 Mosquito Rasbora. My concern here is mainly that I would be overstocking the tank.

What do you guys think? If those won't really work do you have any suggestions? Maybe the second option, but cut out the Cherry Barbs and Cardinal Tetras? Obviously I have a couple weeks to figure this out, but there are just so many fish to choose from. Please help me...

 

[the_lock_man]

For me, option 1 is a complete no-no. The clown loaches will outgrow a 29gallon tank, as will the shark. The tiger barbs may well get nippy at the other fish.

The second option is good, compatibility-wise, perhaps a little overstocked, so drop one of the shoals, and you should be fine.

 

[Tizer]

Clown loaches are a big no no in a tank that size, its way too small. The RTBS...sounds like you know the issues.

As its your first aquarium, i would strongly suggest you learn the ins and outs of fish keeping with some of the fish you listed in your second option, far more sensible. As lock said, dropping either the BHTs or Rasbora would make for a nice first tank. If you get corys, ensure you pick a sandy substrate as they enjoy nuzzling around for food.

Agressive fish, like Tiger barbs, RTBS, are not a good fish to start with, as identifying stress / bullying is hard to spot until you learn how fish behave.

 

[Default67]

Thanks for the replies guys. I had pretty much already figured out the first tank wasn't going to happen. I just really wanted it to work. There's always later in the future with a bigger tank. Any other ideas? Or is the second tank with less fish already about as nice as I can get? If I took anything out I would really rather take the Cardinal Tetras out first and then the Cherry Barbs second. Would one or both be sufficient?

 

[Twinklecaz]

Maybe take out both shoals for now and see how you go? You'll soon learn and be able to judge for yourself how much more your tank can take. YOu may well be able to add one of them later on.

Well done for researching and learning about cycling before doing anything else by the way