Stocking My 29gal

You should do a search on bala sharks here before you buy them. I don't know a thing about them, but I have read a lot on here about them and I think there are varied opinions on what size tank they need, etc.
Clown loaches are gorgeous! If you are going to have them you might want to think about snails. From what I understand, loaches love to eat snails and some people use them to control snail populations. Snails are also IN SOME PEOPLE's OPINION (I had to put that before someone reamed me for this :idea2: ) beneficial to your tank. They are sort of a clean up crew.
I had a snail in my tank... but I haven't seen him in a long time. I'm afraid he's gone:sad but I will probably try to get another.

A group of serpae would be lovely. A single angel would be fine and will grow well in a 29 gallon tank. Stay away from clown loaches as they get to be 8-12 inches long and heavy bodied plus need to be kept in groups of 3 or more. Unless you are planning a big 75 gallon tank or more in the near future leave these guys of off the list. Perhaps another loach would be a good idea.

The only "shark" I would egt is a single Red Tail Black Shark. They can get about 5-6 inches. Balas get huge and need a group and a minimum of a 4 foot tank, though 100 gallon is probably best asa minimum. With the RTBS, though, you will be limited in other fish. You can't get anything with a similar body shape (SAE, Clowns, other RTBS, Flying Foxes etc...).

If you can find them look at Rams as an alternate fish to the angel. They are full of character, don't get too large and can be a great center piece fish.

Oh and don't forget to add new fish slowly and not all at once. Your tank may be cycled but it is only cycled to handle 3 serpae tetras. The bacteria level is sufficient for three fish right now. Add fish and keep testing water quality. It takes time to grow enough bacteria to handle a full bioload.

If you go with the rams I would not add the angel. But the RTBS should be fine. He will get along with upside down cats or cory cats or some of the really skinny bodied loaches like khulies or yoyos.

That shouldn't be overstocked as long as you watch your water params and do diligent maintenance.

I'm a newbie, but my book says corydora catfish (cories) are the ONLY cats that a newbie should consider for a community tank. Or something like that.

Good call on no bala shark. I just had to give mine away and I had him less than a year. He was already too big for my 29g. He grew FAST. And my clown loach will have to go someday, too.

I'm re-stocking based on suggested schemes in this book OrionGirl recommended - A Simple Guide to Freshwater Aquariums by David Boruchowitz. Your library might have it. He has 20 or so suggested stocking schemes in there, maybe more. When I get home from work I can see what he says works well with the fish you have and the look you want, if you want.

May not fit into your plan and you may not be able to find them in your area but I love my Pygmy Corydoras.

They only get to about 1" in length and have a bunch of personality. I have 6 in my 10g and they actually chase the danios sometimes. They also cover all of the tank rather than just the bottom. They're pretty good little cleaners. The nice thing about them is that they're so smal you can get a few of them without too much of an overcrowding threat.