Set up my 29g or go bigger?

[Stretch]

I moved to my new place about 2 weeks ago and I want to set up my tank. I'm not sure if I want to stay with my current 29g or move up to something around 55g. I've got about 6 feet of length that I would like to stay within.

I've never had a planted tank before, and I do want something with more capacity (but who doesn't?). I would also like to get away from the bio-wheel filtration and switch to something canister. In terms of fish, there really isn't anything I want that won't fit in the 29g just fine.

I guess the only thing holding me back is the cost of purchasing a larger tank and filter setup, on top of the fish, plants, substrate and everything else. Maybe I'll set up my 29g for now and then add a 55g later, that way I can have both?

How limited will I be in terms of lighting and plant options with a 29g tank? Am I just thinking about this too much?

Thanks for the help!

Jason

EDIT: I don't want to do pressurized CO2, so I think I'll need low to mid light...right?

 

[LandGhoti]

I have a 29 gal, planted, with no CO2 and 1 65-watt CF bulb. I've looked for lesser bulbs and have had no luck. I have two algae eaters that keep my tank pretty clear (although there is some here and there). I dose with Flourish every 3 days or so and have seen a plant explosion in my tank. 29 is not too small for planted, and it can be done with no CO2 and very little algae. I have regular pebble-sized mixed brown gravel as well.

I love it compared to the plastic I had before. There is really no comparison.

Hope this helps.

 

[Stretch]

Yes, that does help. Thanks!

Can I do well with my existing PFS substrate?

 

[Big Ben]

For a 29 gal, a cannister isn't really needed. In my experience my emperror 400 works excellent on my 48 gal cichlid tank.

Im not experienced with plants so cant help u there.

I'd go with a bigger tank myself. Im really smacking myself in the head that I didnt go for at least a 75 gal when i upgraded from my 10 gal. I have a bad feeling If i don't get a 200 gal as my next tank, for the next 10 yaers of my life ill be constanlty upgrading . Thats me though but i do know others seem to have from what i hear is called MTS. I think i could susceptible to this disease .

29 gals a good medium size though, myself i'd like to have one in addition to my 48 and 10.

 

[Stretch]

For a 29 gal, a cannister isn't really needed. In my experience my emperror 400 works excellent on my 48 gal cichlid tank.

Sorry, I meant to say I want canister filtration for a larger tank, if I do get one.

Thanks for the reply.

 

[Stretch]

I decided to go ahead and set up the 29g. It will give me time to save up for what I really want, and I can cycle the new tank easier using media from the 29g. Thanks for the advice, yall.