Tank stocking ideas

29-gallon tank stocking ideas

4 themed stocking plans with exact species + counts + notes. Pick the theme that fits your goals, then verify with the stocking calculator.

4 themed stocking ideas for 29-gallon

1. Classic planted community

  • 15x Cardinal tetras
  • 8x Corydoras sterbai
  • 4x Otocinclus
  • 1x Bristlenose pleco
  • 1x Pair Pearl gourami OR 1x Pair Dwarf gourami
  • 10x Amano shrimp

Notes: The textbook 29g community. 4 levels of fish: top, mid, bottom, algae crew. Heavily planted background.

2. Tetra biotope

  • 15x Cardinal tetras
  • 12x Rummy nose tetras
  • 6x Corydoras schwartzi
  • Driftwood + Indian almond leaves + tannins

Notes: Amazon blackwater biotope. Soft acidic water (RODI + driftwood). Low light. Tetras color up vividly.

3. Asian biotope

  • 12x Harlequin rasbora
  • 8x Pearl danio
  • 4x Kuhli loach
  • 1x Pair Honey gourami

Notes: Southeast Asian community. Hardy + peaceful + great for beginners.

4. Fancy guppy breeding

  • 1x Trio fancy guppies (1M:2F)
  • 8x Corydoras (separate any fry by week 4)
  • 15x Cherry shrimp

Notes: Breeding setup. Fry appear every 4-6 weeks. Plan for population control or share/sell offspring.

Verify your stocking plan

Use the stocking calculator to verify the exact species + counts work in your 29-gallon. Also check the water change calculator for ongoing maintenance, and the setup guide library for the full build playbook.

Other tank sizes

Browse all stocking idea pages from 5g nano to 180g show-tier. Or jump to the stocking blueprints for build-along plans with timelines.