fbn

How many rainbows should be in 1 tank? I have a 29 gallon tank with 1 betta, 1 platy, 3 danios, and 2 killifish (striped panchax I believe). Also, do different kinds school? Thanks

harpua2002

What kind of rainbows? I think a 29 gallon would be suitable for smaller species like threadfins or praecox, but not for the larger ones like the boesemanis. I'd stick to one species.

fbn

Why the smaller species? Because of the tankmates or the tank?? thanks

harpua2002

The size of the tank. The larger rainbows can grow up to 4 inches and are really active swimmers. A 29 gallon, being 30" long, doesn't really afford them much room.

fbn

If I get them, how many should I get?

harpua2002

6-8 would work, depending on the species.

fbn

6 is the minimum? thanks a lot for your help!

fbn

Oh, and I just looked up the featherfin rainbow....I have seen them before in the store. I am looking for a bigger fish. Like a centerpiece fish. All of the fish I have are pretty small.

harpua2002

Ok... well, you don't have room for a school of larger rainbows, and they will be stressed if not kept in a group. Any other thoughts on a centerpiece?

fbn

hmm...well gouramis can get aggressive...are discus community? And would hey work with my fish? What about hatchetfish? Do they get big? Thanks

harpua2002

I'd suggest a minimum of 75 gallons for a group of discus, and they do not do well if they are kept alone.

Hatchets are fine in a 29 gallon, but I am not familiar with the temperament of your killis so I don't know if there would be issues. Hatchets are incredibly skilled jumpers and need a tight-fitting hood. I lost a school of hatchets one by one when I had my 55 gallon going. They jumped out the back where there were cutouts for cords and equipment!

fbn

My killies are not aggressive. I believe they are striped panchax, which are supposed to be rare in the aquarium trade