Have you ever looked into a vibrant aquarium and wished your own tank could look just like that? A 29-gallon tank is a fantastic size—it offers enough space for a beautiful community, but it’s not so huge that it overwhelms a beginner. However, that sweet spot in size also presents a big problem: what fish actually thrive in a 29-gallon setup?
Choosing the wrong inhabitants can lead to stressed fish, cloudy water, or worse, constant tank reshuffles. Many new aquarists worry about overcrowding or picking species that fight. You want happy, healthy fish, but the sheer volume of conflicting advice online can make selecting the perfect residents feel like a guessing game.
Don’t worry! This guide cuts through the noise. We will explore the best, most compatible fish options specifically suited for your 29-gallon home. By the end of this post, you will know exactly which centerpiece fish, schooling groups, and bottom dwellers will create a balanced and stunning aquatic display.
Top Fish For 29 Gallon Aquarium Recommendations
- GLASS AQUARIUM: Rectangular glass aquarium makes an ideal home for your fish.
- ADD ON ACCESSORIES: Mix and match with your favorite Tetra filtration, lighting and water care products (sold separately).
- EASY CUSTOMIZATION: Use assorted Tetra accessories (sold separately) to make your aquarium your own.
- 29 GALLON TANK: Measures 31.87 inches wide by 14.25 inches deep by 20.75 inches high.
- TETRA BRAND: Dedicated to helping seasoned hobbyists and beginners alike enjoy a successful, lifelong aquatic experience.
- 1. This Tank Hood Fits most 20Long/29 gallon Fish tanks (Aqueon, marine land & perfecto). there are different Aquarium manufactures. BUT NOT FITS for the Topfin Fish tanks. Please measure your Tank opening to the closest millimeter before purchasing!
- 2. Dimensions: 29.21 x 11.69 x 0.16in (74.2 x 29.7 x 0.4cm) The handle uses thin double-sided tape. Clean the glass fish tank cover first, keeping it dry and dust-free. Do not use immediately after pasting. Let it sit for over 24 hours for a firmer bond with the glass.
- 3. Clear Plastic back strip that can be cut to fit your Aquarium.
- 4. Please measure your Tank opening to the closest millimeter before purchasing! There are different Aquarium manufactures.
- 5. Provides the area for your Lighting to sit while allowing simple access to your Aquarium.
- 【High Definition】This freshwater fish tank is made of high transparency glass, suitable for fish enthusiasts at all stages
- 【Multi functional】The aquarium equipped lid,easily switch from a fish tank to a climbing pet feeding box, creating your ideal tropical rainforest or desert landscape
- 【29 Gallon Horizontal Rectangle】Aquarium size is 27.5 inch(L) x 13.7 inch (W) x 15.7 inch (H) (70x35x40cm),fish tank glass adopts mirror polishing technology to better restore the landscape
- 【8mm Thickness Glass】 The glass thickness increased to 8mm. The non adhesive edge treatment process is more sturdy and safe
- 【Environmentally Friendly Adhesive】Imported from Germany, eco-friendly professional grade aquarium glue, zero pollution to water and organisms after curing,your safe choice for landscape beautification
- Comes with one Day White LED lamp, with slot for an additional LED lamp: Day White, Colormax, Beauty Max or Max Blue
- Changing LED lamps are easy to snap in and out to customize the look of your aquarium
- Moon glow accent light for nighttime illumination
- Designed to tightly fit inside aquarium rim
- Full length feeding door
- Flexible Setup: This fish tank stand fits a 20-29 gallon main tank on top. The bottom level holds a 5-10 gal tank for a sump, quarantine, or supplies. Measuring 31.5"L x 15.7" W x 32.5"H, it provides reliable support and an ideal viewing height.
- All-in-One Power Outlets: Stay organized with 2 AC outlets and 2 USB ports built directly into the stand for centralized power. The generous 4.9-foot power cord allows you to place your tank optimally, not just where the nearest wall outlet is.
- Organized Drawer Storage: The Aquarium Stand features one large and two small drawers to organize large fish medication bottles, filter media, fish food, and small tools, accommodating all your aquatic supplies for easy maintenance and a tidy space.
- Heavy-Duty & Stable Construction: Built with a robust metal frame and waterproof panels, this large fish tank stand supports up to 330 lbs with evenly distributed weight. The adjustable leveling feet provide a secure, wobble-free base on uneven floors.
- Seamless Home Integration: The Heybly fish tank aquarium stand comes in multiple colors. Its stylish design makes it a beautiful addition to your living space, complementing your style while housing your fish, turtle, or reptile habitat.
- Double-Tier Storage:Designed for convenience, this fish tank table features a smooth-gliding shelf(28.5"L x 13.3"W)that rolls out with a gentle pull, bringing the tank with it for easy access during maintenance—no lifting or straining needed. Perfect for 5-10 gallon tanks, the slide-out shelf simplifies water changes, decor rearranging, and equipment checks. The spacious top tier (31.5"L x 15.7"W) securely holds your 20-29 gallon aquarium, providing organized two-level storage.
- Waterproof and Durable Build:This 29 gallon aquarium table is built with waterproof wood that remains completely intact even after prolonged water exposure, effectively eliminating concerns about spills during maintenance or occasional leaks. For cleaning, simply wipe the surface gently to restore its pristine condition.Its durable finish safeguards the product’s appearance for the long haul.
- Clean and Safe Power Solutions: Keep all equipment powered and organized with the built-in power strip, which features a durable power cable (6.5ft long), 4 outlets, and 2 USB ports. This power board conveniently meets all your device requirements—including for pumps, lighting, heaters, and filters—while keeping cables tidy and streamlining your aquarium setup. It helps keep wires out of sight and out of reach of curious pets and children, creating a cleaner look and a safer environment for your household.
- Stable and Sturdy:Engineered with a heavy-duty metal frame and reinforced supports, this reptile tank stand offers unparalleled stability. The top surface boasts a massive 770 lbs load capacity, while the bottom shelf holds 350 lbs. Confidently support two aquariums simultaneously, along with heavy rocks, filters, and decor.
- Modern Versatile Design: Featuring a dark brown tabletop and a sleek black metal frame, this 29 gallon aquarium stand blends seamlessly with your style—be it modern, industrial, or rustic. More than just functional furniture, it’s a stylish centerpiece for your living room, study, or any corner of your home and a great foundation for your New Year home organization.
- Imagine Your Fish Thriving in Stability: This fish tank stand with a robust 500 LBS load capacity, picture your 20-29 gallon aquarium securely perched on top, no more worries about wobbling or tipping – just pure peace of mind as you watch your colorful fish swim freely in their safe haven
- Effortlessly Organize Your Aquatic World: Reaching for filters, food, or tools right at your fingertips with a single adjustable shelf offering three customizable positions and 2 spacious drawers; tailor the space to fit your needs perfectly, turning setup chaos into a tidy, enjoyable routine that makes aquarium care feel effortless
- Built to Last, Just Like Your Love for Pets: Aquarium stand feel the durability of high-quality particleboard in sleek black, blending seamlessly into your living room or bedroom decor – it's not just a stand, it's a reliable companion that enhances your home's aesthetic while standing strong for years of aquatic adventures
- Fits Your Space Like It Was Made for You: At a compact 30.71" L x 15.75" W x 31.34" H and lightweight 52.47 lbs, sliding this aquarium stand into that cozy corner of your apartment or office, supporting freshwater or saltwater tanks without overwhelming your room – more space for you to relax and enjoy
- Quick Setup That Sparks Instant Joy: Unbox and assemble with the included accessory kit and simple instructions – no tools needed; making it user-friendly for beginners setting up their first fish tank or terrarium
- QUIETFLOW LED PRO POWER FILTER, filter cartridge, water conditioner and mesh fish net keep your aquarium water crystal-clear and your pet fish safe.
- PRESET HEATER, SUCTION CUP and thermometer keep aquarium water at the 78° F setting to maintain the perfect water temperature.
- TROPICAL FISH FLAKES contain premium ingredients carefully selected to provide complete daily nutrition for healthy, vibrant fish.
- AVAILABLE IN THREE SIZES for your convenience. Choose from our 10-gallon, 20-gallon and 29-gallon options.
- DEVELOPED BY AQUATIC HOBBYISTS, Aqueon provides a broad array of aquarium solutions to help maintain healthy aquatic environments.
Choosing the Best Fish for Your 29-Gallon Aquarium: A Buyer’s Guide
A 29-gallon aquarium is a fantastic size. It offers enough space for a small community of fish without taking up too much room. Finding the right inhabitants makes all the difference. This guide helps you select healthy, happy fish for your new tank.
Key Features to Look For in Aquarium Fish
When you shop for fish, look for specific signs of health. Healthy fish make a better tank.
- **Vibrant Coloration:** Bright colors usually mean the fish is healthy and well-fed. Dull or faded colors can signal stress or illness.
- **Active Swimming:** Fish should swim normally. Watch out for fish that hide constantly or swim strangely (like listing sideways).
- **Clear Eyes and Fins:** Eyes should be clear, not cloudy. Fins must be whole, without rips or frayed edges.
- **Good Appetite (If Possible):** If you see the fish eating at the store, that is a great sign.
Important Materials and Compatibility
The “materials” for fish aren’t things you buy, but the environment they need. The tank size dictates what fish you can keep. A 29-gallon tank works best for smaller community fish. Large fish or aggressive fish will quickly outgrow or stress the tank.
You must consider water parameters. Most tropical community fish need stable temperatures between 74°F and 80°F. Research the pH needs of any fish you plan to mix. Mixing fish with very different water needs causes stress.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good care improves your fish’s quality of life. Poor conditions reduce it quickly.
Factors that Improve Quality:
- **Proper Stocking Level:** Do not overcrowd the tank. A 29-gallon tank handles a small group of centerpiece fish and a few bottom dwellers well.
- **Quarantine:** Always quarantine new fish in a separate tank for two weeks. This stops diseases from spreading to your established fish.
- **Good Filtration:** A strong filter keeps the water clean and oxygenated.
Factors that Reduce Quality:
- **Aggression:** Some fish are territorial. Placing aggressive fish together causes fighting and injury.
- **Incompatible Temperatures:** Mixing cold-water fish with tropical fish kills one or the other.
- **Overfeeding:** Uneaten food rots, polluting the water and stressing the fish.
User Experience and Use Cases
Your experience depends on your goals. Do you want a calm, peaceful tank? Or do you want bright colors and constant action?
Use Case 1: The Peaceful Community Tank. This is great for beginners. You can keep small schooling fish like Neon Tetras or Guppies. Add a centerpiece like a Dwarf Gourami. This setup usually requires minimal conflict management.
Use Case 2: The Cichlid Starter Tank. A 29-gallon tank can sometimes house one or two smaller, less aggressive cichlids, like a single Apistogramma. This requires more specific water testing and careful monitoring of tank mates.
User Tip: Always add fish slowly! Introduce only a few fish every few weeks. This lets your biological filter adjust to the new waste load.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Stocking a 29-Gallon Aquarium
Q: How many fish can I put in a 29-gallon tank?
A: A good rule is one inch of adult fish per gallon, but this is just a starting point. For a 29-gallon tank, aim for about 15-20 small community fish (like tetras) or fewer medium-sized fish.
Q: What are the best beginner fish for a 29-gallon tank?
A: Great beginner choices include Zebra Danios, Platies, Swordtails, and small schooling Tetras (like Black Skirt Tetras).
Q: Can I keep a Betta fish in a 29-gallon tank?
A: Yes! A 29-gallon tank is excellent for a single Betta. You can add small, peaceful, non-nippy bottom dwellers or snails as tank mates.
Q: Are there any fish I should absolutely avoid in a 29-gallon tank?
A: Avoid large fish like Goldfish (they produce too much waste), full-grown Angelfish, large Plecos (like Common Plecos), and aggressive Cichlids.
Q: Should I get all my fish at once?
A: No. Introduce fish slowly over several weeks. This prevents overwhelming your filter system with sudden waste buildup.
Q: What is the ideal temperature range for most 29-gallon fish?
A: Most tropical community fish thrive between 75°F and 78°F. Make sure your heater keeps this steady.
Q: Can I mix livebearers (like Guppies) with Tetras?
A: Yes, usually. Guppies and Tetras often share similar water requirements, making them good community partners.
Q: What kind of cleaner fish work well in a 29-gallon?
A: Corydoras Catfish are excellent bottom cleaners. You should keep at least three or four of them, as they are schooling fish.
Q: Do I need an air stone or just a filter?
A: A good filter usually provides enough surface agitation for oxygen exchange. An air stone is helpful if the tank is heavily stocked or the filter flow is low.
Q: How often should I change the water?
A: Perform a 25% water change every week. This removes nitrates and keeps the water fresh for your fish.