How Many Fish Can You Keep in a 29 Gallon Tank? A Complete Guide

A 29 gallon tank offers an exciting opportunity to create a thriving aquatic community. With proper planning and research, you can keep a variety of compatible fish species happy and healthy in this mid-sized tank.

But how many fish can realistically live in a 29 gallon aquarium? This depends on the types of fish, their size, behavior, and other stocking considerations. Striking the right balance is key to maintaining high water quality and avoiding overcrowding stress.

This comprehensive guide dives into everything you need to know about stocking a 29 gallon tank. You’ll learn fish species options, ideal tank mates, numbers, helpful stocking formulas, and much more. Follow these tips to create a visually stunning, biologically balanced 29 gallon freshwater system.

Table of Contents

What is Considered Overstocking a 29 Gallon Tank?

Overstocking an aquarium occurs when too many fish are crowded into a tank, exceeding the system’s capacity. This causes water quality to decline and stresses fish. But what defines “too many” in a 29 gallon tank?

Some general overstocking thresholds for a 29 gallon tank include:

More than 1 inch of fully grown adult fish per gallon (exceeding 29 inches of fish)
Excessive bioload causing ammonia/nitrite spikes
Aggression and territorial issues arising from crowded conditions
Lack of ample swimming room for all inhabitants
Heavy feeding leading to rapidly accumulating organic waste

You can avoid overstocking by sticking to the one inch per gallon rule, selecting species appropriate for a 29 gallon tank, and maintaining strict aquarium maintenance. Use a water test kit routinely to check for signs of overcrowding like high nitrates.

What is the One Inch Per Gallon Rule?

The one inch per gallon rule provides a good starting point for stocking any aquarium. This guideline states that you can keep one inch of adult fish length per gallon of water.

So in a 29 gallon tank, aim to keep fish that when fully grown will measure about 29 inches total. While not flawless, this rule helps prevent some overstocking issues.

The one inch per gallon rule has some limitations, however:

It doesn’t account for fish behavior, territorial needs, or waste output differences.
Some large fish need more than 1 gallon per inch, like oscars.
Schooling fish require groups, exceeding 1 inch per gallon.
Fish length doesn’t directly correlate to bioload. A 4″ pleco makes more waste than 4 tetra.

So use the one inch rule as a starting point, not the sole factor in stocking decisions. You may need to reduce numbers or choose smaller species to successfully stock a 29 gallon tank.

Ideal Tank Mates for Community Aquariums

With wise tank mate selection, you can keep a variety of fish species thriving together in a 29 gallon tank. Mixing compatible fish is key to a peaceful community aquarium.

Some top tank mates for a 29 include:

Small Tetras

Neon Tetra
Rummynose Tetra
Ember Tetra
Green Neon Tetra

Rasboras

Harlequin Rasbora
Lambchop Rasbora
Chili Rasbora

Small Barbs

Cherry Barb
Gold Barb

Catfish/Bottom Feeders

Corydoras (Pygmy, Panda, etc)
Otocinclus
Bristlenose Pleco

Gouramis

Honey Gourami
Sparkling Gourami
Dwarf Gourami

Other Small Species

Guppies
Endler’s Livebearers
Platies
Mollies
African Dwarf Frogs

Mix and match compatible species from this list while following the one inch per gallon rule. Include schooling fish in proper group sizes.

Suggested Combinations for 29 Gallons

Here are some suggested 29 gallon aquarium stocking ideas:

Fish Type	Number
Neon Tetra	12
Harlequin Rasbora	8
Panda Cory	6
Honey Gourami	1

Total inches of adult fish: 29
Total inches of adult fish: 27
Total inches of adult fish: 29

Fish Type	Number
Ember Tetra	12
Rummynose Tetra	6
Otocinclus	6
Sparkling Gourami	1 pair

Fish Type	Number
Endler’s Livebearer	12
Cherry Barb	8
Bristlenose Pleco	1
Amano Shrimp	5

Mix and match species using the examples above as templates. Leave some wiggle room on total stocking.

Ideal Number of Fish for Selected Species

To prevent overcrowding, follow these guidelines on numbers of certain fish in a 29 gallon aquarium:

Tetras

Most small tetras (neons, embers, rummynose) should be kept in schools of at least 6, ideally 8-12 in a 29 gallon. This provides security and reduces nipping.

Guppies & Livebearers

Keep pairs of livebearers like guppies, platies, swords in a 29 gallon. Start with 15-20 juveniles and let the herd thin as fish mature. Remove fry regularly.

Rasboras & Barbs

These active schoolers do best in groups of 8-10 fish in a 29 gallon tank. Harlequins, lambchops, cherry barbs, and others thrive with 6-8 tank mates.

Dwarf Cichlids

Select a single dwarf gourami or honey gourami as a focal point fish for a 29 gallon community tank. Or keep one bonded pair of rams or apistos.

Plecos & Bottom Feeders

House just one small pleco like a bristlenose or clown pleco in a 29 gallon. For bottom feeders like cory cats, keep 5-6 together.

Aquarium Shrimp

Many shrimp like cherry shrimp or ghost shrimp can be kept in a 29 gallon. Start with 10-20 and let them multiply as their bio load is low.

Follow these number guidelines by species or genus to avoid overcrowding. Reduce totals if you want fewer species in your tank.

Stocking Smaller Fish vs. Larger Fish

When stocking a 29 gallon tank, you can select smaller species to keep more fish or larger growing fish for a lower total number. Both options work if planned properly!

Some pros of keeping smaller fish like neon tetra include:

Can house large schools for stunning flashes of color
Increased activity and interaction
Allows a greater variety of species
Frequent small water changes handle bioload

Advantages of larger fish like pearl gourami include:

Each fish has ample swimming space
Less likely to jump from tank
Easier to feed individually
Fewer water changes needed

Either approach works – just adjust numbers and tank mates accordingly. Mixing large and small species can work too with extra planning. Ensure larger fish don’t predate on smaller ones.

The Importance of Proper Schools & Groups

Schooling fish and social tank mates must be kept in adequate group sizes in a 29 gallon tank. But what defines a proper school or group?

Here are some guidelines:

Tetras: Minimum of 6, but 10+ ideal
Rasboras: 6-8 is optimal
Small barbs: Schools of 8 work well
Corydoras: Keep 5-6 together
Dwarf cichlids: Keep a mated pair
Gouramis: 1-2 is ideal, avoid having all males

Failure to provide adequate schools causes stress, aggression, poor immunity, lack of social bonds, and poor health. Make sure any schooling or social fish have appropriate group sizes in a community 29 gallon aquarium.

Other Ways to Estimate Stocking Levels

In addition to the one inch per gallon rule and ideal numbers by species, other stocking strategies for a 29 gallon tank include:

Surface Area Method

Target one square inch of fish for every four square inches of water surface area. A standard 29 gallon measures 30×12 inches – providing 360 square inches of surface. This equals about 90 square inches of fish spread over schools and species.

Aquarium Capacity Formula

Consider tank capacity in terms of both water volume and horizontal swimming space. Target 70-80% capacity for freshwater tanks. A 29 gallon offers about 23-25 gallons of usable capacity.

Filtration Capacity

Stock according to your aquarium’s filter capacity. Target filter types that can handle 10-15 gallons for a 29 gallon tank. Canister filters work well. Ensure your filtration can accommodate the bio load.

Experience & Observation

Learn from experience and careful observation of water quality, fish behavior, feeding, and tank maintenance. Reduce stocking levels if issues arise.

Providing Proper Care for Your Stocking Level

To support the fish population you select, you must provide proper aquarium care and maintenance. Here are some key practices:

Feed a varied, high quality diet in moderation. Avoid overfeeding.
Keep nitrates low, ideally under 20 ppm. Change 10-25% water weekly.
Use an appropriately sized filter and maintain it regularly.
Ensure efficient water circulation and oxygenation.
Monitor ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, hardness, and temperature routinely.
Quarantine and properly acclimate new fish. Observe for signs of illness.
Keep tank décor and plants minimal to allow ample swimming space.
Limit tank lighting to 8 hours per day or less.

Proper care keeps fish healthy and reduces chances of disease outbreaks, even when stocked to capacity. Test water parameters routinely to confirm your aquarium maintenance is adequate for the bio load.

Signs Your 29 Gallon Tank May Be Overstocked

If you notice any of the following, reduce fish numbers or increase tank maintenance to improve conditions:

Increased aggression or fighting over territory
Fish gasping at the surface or hanging near water outlets
Rapid gill movement or labored breathing
Clamped fins or fish scraping against objects
Strange behaviors like shimmying or twitching
Loss of appetite and emaciated appearance
Disease outbreaks
Presence of algae blooms and excess detritus
Water parameters frequently outside ideal ranges
Cloudy water, slime buildup, or foul odors

Routine testing and observation are key to spotting problems early before fish health declines. Address any husbandry issues at the first signs of trouble.

Controlling Aggression & Territorial Behaviors

Even when not overcrowded, some fish can show aggression in a 29 gallon community tank. Male gouramis, cichlids, or conspecific schooling fish may spar.

Here are some tips to curb aggressive behaviors:

Ensure tank mates are compatible and avoid aggressive species prone to fighting
Rear fish together from a young age for familiarity
Keep schools or pairs to diffuse aggression in social fish
Add tank dividers or sight barriers like plants to establish territories
Provide caves, driftwood, and décor to break up line of sight
Rear more females than males to spread out confrontations
Remove consistent bullies or prime aggressors
Use a larger tank with extra swim room to keep the peace
Verify sufficient hiding places and minimal competition over resources

While some chasing and displays are normal, persistent fighting stresses the whole tank. Address the underlying causes to maintain a harmonious community.

Maximizing Aquascaping in a 29 Gallon Tank

Here are some aquascaping tips to visually enhance and promote fish health in a 29 gallon tank:

Use taller silk plants in the back and sides to provide security while still allowing open swimming room
Arrange decor with open swimming lanes in mind based on species
Include smooth rocks and driftwood that create territories and breaks lines of sight
Angle filters and heaters to minimize intrusion into free space
Place plants densely in some areas to provide refuges but keep the center open
Set up caves, overhangs, and tunnels that accommodate each species
Establish plant trims and cleaning routines to control growth from crowding areas
Maintain some sections of bare bottom for schooling fish like tetras and barbs
Test different décor arrangements and observe fish preferences and behaviors

Getting the aquascape layout right goes a long way toward reducing aggression and stress when fish numbers are higher.

Setting Up 3D Backgrounds & Tank Dividers

For a crowded 29 gallon tank, 3D backgrounds and tank dividers can help establish territories and provide security:

3D Backgrounds

Can mimic natural environments like rock faces and driftwood
Foam or plastic panels adhere to back tank wall
Lightweight versions reduce weight compared to rock
Can increase useable tank space and line-of-sight breaks
Allow easy removal versus permanent silicone/sealant options
Help shy fish like discus and angels feel safe to reduce hiding

Tank Dividers

Acrylic dividers install with suction cups for adjustability
Allow isolation of territorial or aggressive fish if needed
Can split schools into two tanks to increase numbers
Enable quarantine of new fish while utilizing whole tank
Establish dedicated feeding sections to control food aggression
Can still allow water flow and filtration throughout

When scaping a 29 gallon tank, make use of these helpful tools to optimize spaces for fish numbers and behaviors. Position decor strategically too.

Troubleshooting Water Quality Problems

Managing water quality is crucial when stocking a 29 gallon tank to capacity. Here are some common water issues and remedies:

Problem: High ammonia and nitrite levels
Cause: Excess fish waste overwhelming biological filtration
Solution: Improve aeration, increase water changes, add extra filter media Problem: Spiking nitrate over 40 ppm
Cause: Overfeeding, high bioload, inadequate cleaning
Solution: Limit feeding, increase water changes to 25%, clean gravel Problem: Low pH (under 6.5)
Cause: Too much driftwood, acidic substrate, CO2 addition
Solution: Remove wood, change substrate, reduce CO2, add crushed coral Problem: High pH (over 7.8)
Cause: High KH, insufficient water changes
Solution: Use RO water, add Indian almond leaves, increase water changes

Stay on top of your tank’s nitrogen cycle, pH, and other parameters to keep fish safe when stocked to capacity.

Keeping Pristine Water in a Full Tank

With diligent maintenance, you can maintain sparkling clean water even in a heavily stocked 29 gallon aquarium. Here are some top tips:

Test water 1-2 times per week to catch issues before they escalate
Invest in a sizable canister filter rated for 40+ gallon tanks
Add extra filter media like bioballs and chemical absorbants
Perform 25% water changes 1-2 times per week, not just 10%
Use a gravel vacuum to remove debris during water changes
Add activated carbon and ammonia removers to filter and routinely replace
Feed a variety of foods including veggies to minimize waste
Use a UV sterilizer to control free-floating algae and bacteria
Maintain a dense plant trimming regime to outcompete algae
Use powerheads to increase surface agitation and oxygenation
Siphon the substrate weekly to prevent decaying detritus buildup
Limit or brighten light duration to control algal growth
Remove decaying plant matter immediately

Conclusion

From neon tetra schools to bettas, a 29 gallon tank offers endless stocking possibilities if approached thoughtfully. By following the one inch per gallon rule, sticking to appropriate species and numbers, and providing proper maintenance, you can keep a wide variety of fish thriving.

Remember to focus on meeting the needs of the fish rather than reaching the absolute maximum capacity of the tank. Leaving a bit of wiggle room makes maintaining high water quality easier.

Test parameters routinely, address aggression promptly, and perform diligent tank maintenance. Soon your 29 gallon will become a lush aquatic paradise for all your carefully selected residents!

FAQs About Stocking a 29 Gallon Aquarium

How many neon tetras can go in a 29 gallon tank?

You can house about 12-15 neon tetras in a 29 gallon tank. They need to be kept in a proper school of at least 6 fish. The one inch per gallon rule allows around 15 four inch long tetras. Go with smaller numbers if including other fish species as well.

What fish can live with guppies in a 29 gallon tank?

Good tank mates for guppies in 29 gallons include small tetras like embers, endler’s livebearers, white cloud mountain minnows, cherry barbs, harlequin rasboras, corydoras catfish, bristlenose plecos, African dwarf frogs, ghost shrimp, and snails. Avoid large or aggressive fish.

Can a betta fish live in a 29 gallon tank?

Certainly! A 29 gallon tank provides ample room for a single male betta to thrive. Make sure to include resting spots near the surface and soft silk plants for the betta. Tetras, rasboras, cory cats, snails, and shrimp make good 29 gallon community tank mates for bettas.

How many angels can be kept in a 29 gallon aquarium?

A 29 gallon tank can comfortably house around 2-3 small juvenile angelfish. But be prepared to move them to a larger tank as they grow. Adult angels can reach 6 inches tall and need at least 10 gallons each. Use taller 29 gallon dimensions if housing angels.

What bottom feeders are good for a 29 gallon community tank?

Great bottom feeding choices for 29 gallons are corydoras like panda, emerald, albino, and julii that can be kept in groups of 5-6. Bristlenose and clown plecos also work well but limit to one. Avoid common plecos that get too large. Other options include otocinclus, khuli loaches, and snails.

Maximizing Live Plants in a 29 Gallon

Live plants help stabilize water parameters and outcompete algae in a heavily stocked tank. Here are some tips for growing aquarium plants in a 29 gallon:

Use adjustable LED lighting to provide proper intensity for plant growth
Add a nutrient-rich aquarium substrate with laterite or potting soil underlayer
Supplement liquid fertilizers and root tabs for heavy root feeders
Include low-light hardy choices like anubias, java fern, cryptocorynes, mosses, and hornwort
Maintain proper CO2 levels via diffusion, excel dosing, or an injection system
Remove decaying plant matter immediately to prevent algae outbreaks
Use floating plants like duckweed, azolla, and frogbit to absorb excess nutrients
Avoid filling the entire tank with plants to leave ample swimming room
Consider adding fast-growing stem plants and trimming regularly for nutrient export
Use root tabs around heavy root feeders and liquid ferts for water column feeders
Find the optimal trimming regime to control growth and maintain circulation

A thriving live plant system reduces algal issues and improves water quality – both crucial in a stocked 29 gallon tank.