aquairum stocking?

Question

i have an aquairum that i need to design and stock
29 gallon bowfront freshwater w/ heater filter and 15w full spectrom plant growth tube
*i want to add fish and live plants. i can only count on be able to go to Petsmart, maybe a local aquarium store but the stuff their is kinda if-y. I want a simplistic natural look. i have gravel and all. all i need is fish and plants.
here are the set ups i am thinking about:
(fish and plants from petsmart and all planted with plants from local petsmarts and maybe aquarium store)
#1:
*5 Torquios Rainbowfish(up to 2.5")
*4-6 Otos/suckermouth catfish (up to 1 3/4")
#2
*3 Bosemani Rainbowfish(4-5")
*4-6 Otos/suckermouth catfish (up to 1 3/4")
#3
*3 Torquios Rainbowfish(up to 2.5")
*2 Australian Rainbowfish(up to 4")
*4-6 Otos/suckermouth catfish (up to 1 3/4")
Opinions on these setups and suggestions for other tank setups for me are welcome. I would also like to know some products that help with plant care.info on suggest fish welcome.

would like 2 bosemani(4-5") 2 Australian(3-4") and 3 Torquois(2.5") and like 4 otos(up to 1 3/4") work? or should i cut down some?

Answer 1

You're just skirting around the fact that Rainbows are schooling fish, and should be kept in groups of 6 (4 males:2 females). I see no problem with the Otos, but your plants are gonna be in trouble... 15 watts (full spectrum or not) is almost nothing when you consider the distance it has to travel through water to get to the plants... You should get a T-5 canopy with a 03 actinic bulb and 10,000K bulb. They are very efficient at lighting deep tanks (blue light has the highest frequency and penetrates water the best, reaching to the lowest levels of the tank). For plants in such a dark tank, you should look into Java Moss, Java Fern, Cryptocorynes, Anubias, and Riccia... Contact me if you have any questions...

Soop Nazi

EDIT: 4-6 hours a day is not nearly enough for plants... you should have at least 8 hours, but 10 is best... no more than 12 hours a day...

Answer 2

Rainbow fish of any variety are schooling fish. I would strongly recommend that you stock 6 rainbows. Plan on setting up your tank away from windows and don't leave your tank lights on for more than 4-6 hours a day. Also, adhere to a stringent tank maintenance regime and you won't have an algae problem. New aquarists frequently purchase otos and other algae eaters in anticipation of algae problems. Prevent the algae from overunning your tank and you won't need the otos.

** Edit **

The rainbows are fine. You need at least 6 as these are schooling fish. Avoid the otos.