Well, honestly, fish keeping seems to be opinion based. I have always said ''everyone is a fish expert.'' but , the decision is down to you. One fish keeper may say something that another cries foul at. This is why it is best to do research and not rely really on what one person says. Not saying people on here or your lfs keeper is wrong, but I can see where the store keeper is coming from. He is looking at a 'fine'point of view, whereas we here at this site look at it from 'matching habitat' point of view. For instance, i have 3 neons in my 29. Sure, it is said you need 5 or more for them to ''work'' (whatever that means) but they still school together, glow bright, and eat fine. But regardless, I plan on getting more to correct this, to match their habitat. My expert lfs keeper informed me 3 is fine, and that person seems very knowledgeable when it comes to fish and tank sizes. At that time, when I didn't know about schooling, they were fine, and would have probably still be fine in the future if I didn't plan on adding more. ( Sorry if I offended anyone, but just my thoughts, I mean nothing but respect).
