URFisher35

I've been wanting to create my 29G to center around the Congo Tetra. They are kinda shy so I wanted some lively little ones in there too. Let me know what you guys think. All suggestions are welcome, even encouraged!

Currently I was thinking:

3 Congo Tetra
3 Serpae Tetra
2 neon tetra
2 Glowlight Tetra
2 Black Neon Tetra
1 BN Pleco (I love this little guy so he stays no matter what)

What do you guys think? Over/understocked? It will be very well planted with some swords and crypts as well as a large central piece of driftwood with some java moss. What color of substrate do you think would be best? I currently have a real natural looking river rock. Maybe some black phantoms too?

GouramiGirl1221

3 Congo Tetra = 9 inches
3 Serpae Tetra = 6 inches
6 Neon/Glowlight/Black Neon = 12 inches
1 plec = 5 inches

That gives you 32 inches of fish, which is a little overstocked technically speaking, but nothing that can't be managed with an extra water change or two. Since you're going to be on the heavily stocked end of the spectrum, planting is a great idea, as you mentioned, to keep the nitrates in check. I hear crypts are really easy, but I've had mine less than 24 hrs so I can't give a personal opinion lol. Best of luck, and be sure to post pics!

URFisher35

yea...i plan on planting quite a bit for the congos. they are very timid and like hiding spots. i wont be able to start this project untill jan 11th. so please let me know about the crypts. i have one unidentified one now that seems to be thriving. and ill post pics once i get it all put together!

Butters

I would cut out the serpaes if you want congo tetras. the fish will be much more happy with 6 of their own kind instead of 3. And don't just get 2 of each glowlight, neon, and black... chances are they won't school and will just hide the whole time. If I were you I would just get congos and that BN pleco, maybe an african butterfly fish too.

cakeface

i have (8) congos in a tank with (4) bloodfin tetras and (7) bleeding hearts. They hang around with the bleeding hearts, who are about 1/2 their size. But they tend to chase after the bloodfin's if they get too close. I'd go with (6) congos and another group of a larger sized tetra, so they can school. (you might look into lemon tetra which are bigger but have a nice yellow coloring.) Serpae's seem large enough that it shouldn't be a problem. If you decide to go with the smaller Tetras (eg: neon) get enough so that they'll be formidable/safe from the bigger congo's.

EDIT: I reread your initial post and changed my response.

platy ben

i would say, take out the three serpaes and either add another congo tetra OR add one more to each of your other species.
Most people will say they wont school and i agree but i never thought what has happened in my 33G would happen but it has.

My 5 harlequins have be-friended my 8 new odessa barbs and they are a big shoal of 13
Not a likely combination, but its really cool

TropicalGrimmish

my cardinal & neon tetras school together all the time, i have 3 of each..

URFisher35

wow...some food for thought. i guess i have a lot more thinking to do. thanks guys!

platy ben

No problem , if you need any mroe help or suggestions just give me a shout

URFisher35

yea im having some trouble...ive had my rainbow and serpaes now for like 4 months, and I dont want to part with them. im trying to think of a good fish to go with them...something that inhabits the top/middle region.

swordtails maybe? but i have to make sure their water parameters match...

platy ben

Zebra danios will stay near the top all of the time, and you dont have to be too precise on parameters with them because they are such hardy fish

URFisher35

yea...i tried them. they were very active, and always stayed on top...BUT they were constantly under attack... the serpaes constantly nipped. but i suppose this may be a problem with any fish. swordtail males can be aggressive sometimes was my thinking

platy ben

You could try swordtails i guess.
Maybe a dwarf gourami, the littlem ales can fend for them self pretty well

URFisher35

ah good idea...ill look into them. thank you!

platy ben

No problem , Happy to help

URFisher35

platy ben, mind taking a look at this?
Finishing off a 29g

platy ben

ill take a look