New Owner of 29 gal Tropical FW

[itsgracia]

Hello everyone I'm new. I have been lurking around and decided to create an account today. Because of reading this forum I learned cycling among other stuff that is important. My tank is now fully cycled after 5 weeks and I purchased my first fishes today. I have decided on Zebra Danios (6). I'm also in time will add some Rosy Barb, sunset Platy, Cory catfishes, and a pleco. Does this sound ok? I do have a few questions though...I'm wondering what kind of invertebrates I can put if any? I'm thinking of the nerita snails and ghost shrimp. I was thinking of adding those little frogs but I don't know if it will be too much or if it will be even ok. I have an Aqua-tech 20/40 hang on filter. I also have a long bubble stone using a tetra whisper pump. One thing I didn't know was that I didn't need a protein skimmer for a FW tank which I did return. That's it for now. I'm sure I will have more questions later. Thanks in advance.

 

[itsgracia]

Here are some pictures.

 

[tyspot1000]

Nice tank! I think as long as you get a school of at least 6 rosy barbs (Not the longfin, they get bigger), a Platy or two, School of at least 6 cories, And a Dwarf pleco such as a Bristlenose or Rubberlip (The Common pleco needs 100+ gallon tanks. Make sure to only add 1-3 fish at a time every 2 weeks (You can do 6 at a time for a school depending on how big they are), this is so that you bio-load on your filter can catch up before adding anymore fish.

As far as Inverts, do you add any salt to your aquarium? If so, I would recommend to stop using it, it will effect the inverts. Also Im not sure if the Barbs or danios would eat the ghost shrimp.

I wouldnt get any African Dwarf frogs, they are sometimes hard to feed in community setups, I would recommend to only put them in a species only tank.

 

[itsgracia]

Thanks! That stock list sounds great. No I font put salt in my tank. I would love some invertebrates in there. What kind would you suggest?

 

[BigJim]

Your stock list and your tank both look good. If you want a pleco, get a dwarf variety. Bristlenose plecos are supposed to be good algae eaters and they'll stay small enough for your tank.

A protein skimmer is a waste of money on a FW tank. Fresh water isn't dense enough for the protein skimmer to function properly.

 

[itsgracia]

Thanks BigJim. I found out about the Protein Skimmer after I nought it but I promptly returned it after I found out I don't need it. Ofcourse the lady at Petco didn't tell me I don't need it.

 

[BigJim]

Unfortunately many LFS people aren't well versed in aquariums. Some are into other critters, some just treat it as a job.