Rainbowfish stocking questions?

Question

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
Bosemani Rainbowfish(4") x2
Australian Rainbowfish(3") x2
Torquois Rainbowfish(2.5") x3
Dwarf Sucker Mouth Algae Eaters(1 3/4") x4

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 suggested fish is also welcome.

do you this would be over stocked? for a 29 gallon planted aquarium.

Answer 1

You should consolidate your Rainbows... Instead of getting 3 different species, you should get 2 species, with 6 each. The Dwarf Suckermouths (Otos) are great. They are fun to watch as they work their way through the tank. 15 watts of light really isn't much as far as planting is concerned, so you are gonna want plants that can live in the darkest of conditions. Look into Cryptocorynes, Anubias, Java Moss, Java Fern, and Banana Plants. Petsmart should at least have some of those...

Right now, the middle of your tank is pretty empty... why not consider a school of Rasboras or Tetras? 7 Rasboras or Tetras (of the same species) will help give you some movement in the middle... Contact me if you have any questions.

Soop Nazi

EDIT: You will want at LEAST 8 hours of light for your plants, but 10 hours is best... You should avoid keeping your light on for more than 12 hours because it will invite an algae infestation... The best way to prevent algae is reduce nitrates in the water, and lessen your lighting (intensity and time).

Answer 2

I'm not sure why you reposted this question. The answers are going to be the same.

Rainbows are schooling fish. Select 6 rainbows for your tank. Avoid setting up your tank near a window and plan on only keeping your tank lighting on 4-6 hours at most per day. Follow a stringent tank maintenance regime and you will not have an algae problem. Adding any type of algae eating fish to an aquarium in anticipation of an algae problem is a collasal mistake. Avoid the algae problem using the advise I've given and skip the algae eating fish.

Answer 3

i would take out the boesmans, too large for 29 with those fishes.

Try increasing the schools of austrailian.