29 Gallon Tank Help stock neon/ betta community

[Skrabbitskrabbit]

Another stocking thread—

I have had this tank running about 9 months or so but am switching the stock up now in an effort to accommodate one of my bettas. I’m quite sure that the betta will not be aggressive as they have already done well previously with peaceful schooling fish and other tank mates ( with the exception of tiny RCS that got eaten)

I currently have 12 neons that are 2 weeks into their QT.
Also have:
3 amano shrimp
Mystery snail
And a few pest snails
(And soon one easygoing plakat betta)

What would you add?
Something good for a beginner that won’t totally max out my stocking. Nothing that’s too energetic as to stress my betta. I’d like to look into a few options. Thanks!!

29 gallon planted
77-78 degrees
Filter is AC50

 

[LHAquatics]

Harlequin rasboras: they are beautiful fish and are extremely peaceful IME.
Platies: keep in mind they might reproduce or you can keep all males
Corydoras: These are the most IMHO because they are so cute, peaceful, and stay 2-3 inches.

 

[JLAquatics]

If you are looking for bottom activity, definitely go for some Cory Cats of some kind, preferably the smaller varieties such as Panda Cories in the number of 6-8 (or a little higher if you go Pygmy Cories).

If you would like another schooler for the middle section of the aquarium, Lambchop Rasboras would make great passive fish in your setup. They live in a Betta's habitat naturally in the wild and are a nice coppery orange color, not a color often seen in Bettas and only grow to 1.5 inches. You could probably do like 6-8 of them with your current stock if your tank is well filtered and maintained.

 

[LHAquatics]

Lambchop Rasboras

They have the same requirements as the Harlequins but are EXTREMELY BEAUTFUL.

 

[Skrabbitskrabbit]

Harlequin rasboras: they are beautiful fish and are extremely peaceful IME.
Platies: keep in mind they might reproduce or you can keep all males
Corydoras: These are the most IMHO because they are so cute, peaceful, and stay 2-3 inches.

Thanks! Cories seem to be a favorite for many and I’ve never had them so they’re probably one of my top choices, plus the LFS always has a few options

If you are looking for bottom activity, definitely go for some Cory Cats of some kind, preferably the smaller varieties such as Panda Cories in the number of 6-8 (or a little higher if you go Pygmy Cories).

If you would like another schooler for the middle section of the aquarium, Lambchop Rasboras would make great passive fish in your setup. They live in a Betta's habitat naturally in the wild and are a nice coppery orange color, not a color often seen in Bettas and only grow to 1.5 inches. You could probably do like 6-8 of them with your current stock if your tank is well filtered and maintained.

Ooooo! I like the idea of the lamb chop rasboras, my boy betta actually has a hint of orange on him and I’d love a bit more orange thanks for the suggestion!

 

[JLAquatics]

Thanks! Cories seem to be a favorite for many and I’ve never had them so they’re probably one of my top choices, plus the LFS always has a few options


Ooooo! I like the idea of the lamb chop rasboras, my boy betta actually has a hint of orange on him and I’d love a bit more orange thanks for the suggestion!

They are truly beautiful fish, my all time favorite schoolers at this point! They should be perfect for your Betta as they are extremely peaceful. Just like Neons, having a larger group will bring out their colors more. Here are a few pictures of mine. (Don't mind the blurriness of the first pic. They were begging me for food this morning).


Nice Betta you got there. I will be getting my first Betta for a 10 gallon in a few months.

 

[Skrabbitskrabbit]

Couldn’t find lamb chop rasboras but did get 6 harlequins. They’re very attractive fish! I didn’t notice until I got home that one had a slightly torn tail fin but I probably would have still bought it anyways. Is this a good group size or should I try to get more since there are 12 neons?

 

[JLAquatics]

Couldn’t find lamb chop rasboras but did get 6 harlequins. They’re very attractive fish! I didn’t notice until I got home that one had a slightly torn tail fin but I probably would have still bought it anyways. Is this a good group size or should I try to get more since there are 12 neons?

As long as they all survive they should do just fine in a group of six. Eight would be an ideal number but you can wait to see how the six you just got will do first or if they will all make it past the acclimation period. They are very hardy fish, so they should do just fine provided you acclimate them correctly.

Also the tail fin should repair itself on its own in clean fresh tank water.

 

[Skrabbitskrabbit]

I’m 95% sure I am changing my mind on adding a betta to this tank (despite thread title , which I don’t know how to edit). Im going to wait another 2 weeks to buy anything (that will be when I get back from a vacation) but do y’all think some type of gourami would work in this community?
I still have all 12 neons and now 8 harlequins in QT plus the couple inverts (3 amano and 1 mystery snail).

 

[Fisch]

If you are looking for bottom activity, definitely go for some Cory Cats of some kind, preferably the smaller varieties such as Panda Cories in the number of 6-8 (or a little higher if you go Pygmy Cories).

If you would like another schooler for the middle section of the aquarium, Lambchop Rasboras would make great passive fish in your setup. They live in a Betta's habitat naturally in the wild and are a nice coppery orange color, not a color often seen in Bettas and only grow to 1.5 inches. You could probably do like 6-8 of them with your current stock if your tank is well filtered and maintained.

If you go for Cories make sure they go along with the temperature. Pandas like it a bit on the cooler side.

 

[JLAquatics]

If you go for Cories make sure they go along with the temperature. Pandas like it a bit on the cooler side.

Yeah, I didn't really realize until now. However, OP already got some cool Harlequins to go into the tank and is now set on that regard.