How Many Fish in a 29 Gallon Tank?
There's no single magic number — a 29-gallon tank can hold a big school of small fish or just a couple of large, messy ones. What matters is each species' adult size, bioload, schooling needs, and temperament. The calculator below is pre-set to 29 gallons; add the fish you're considering and it'll flag any problems.
Example 29-gallon stocking ideas
- Angelfish community: 1 angelfish + 8 larger tetras + 6 corydoras (avoid tiny fish that fit in the angel's mouth).
- Dwarf cichlid tank: a pair of Bolivian rams + 10 harlequin rasboras + bristlenose pleco.
- Big school: 12 cardinal tetras + 8 corydoras + 1 honey gourami.
Always cycle the tank first, add fish gradually, and keep up with weekly water changes. These are starting points — run your exact list through the calculator above.
Fish featured in these 29-gallon setups
Photos via Wikimedia Commons under their respective licenses — click a credit for the source.