How Many Fish in a 29 Gallon Saltwater Tank?

Saltwater stocking is more conservative than freshwater — marine fish need more room, produce more waste, and many are territorial. The calculator below is pre-set to 29 gallons (saltwater); add your livestock and it'll flag reef-safe, aggression, and tank-size problems.

Example 29-gallon saltwater stocking ideas

  • Beginner reef: clownfish pair + royal gramma + cleanup crew.
  • Goby tank: yellow watchman goby (+ pistol shrimp) + clownfish + cleaner shrimp.
  • Peaceful trio: firefish + neon goby + orchid dottyback (add the dottyback last).

Cycle the tank fully, add the most peaceful fish first and the most aggressive last, and quarantine new arrivals. Run your exact list through the calculator above.

Reef fish for a 29-gallon saltwater tank

Photos via Wikimedia Commons under their respective licenses — click a credit for the source.