Help with 29 gallon set up for a bit of a newbie

H

hhgtrillian

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Dec 2, 2006
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I posted this on another board as well, but I want to get as many thoughts as possible.

This seems to be a common question, but wanted to run this by you guys. I've had a few tanks in the past, but it's been a while. I'm planning on a 29 gallon all-glass (30X12X18) with probably a Perfecto Sedona cabinet and canopy.

The filter I'm consider is from the Rena XP series. Here's were my first question is. There is the XP1, the XP2, and the XP3. The XP1 is rated at 250 GPH flow rate and recommended for aquariums up to 45 gallons in size. The XP2 is rated at 300 GPH flow rate and recommended for aquariums up to 75 gallons in size.The XP3 is rated at 350 GPH flow rate and recommended for aquariums up to 175 gallons in size. Would it be crazy to get the XP3 for the 29 gallon? Will it be too much flow and cause issues with too much water movement in the tank? Would there be other issues? How about the XP2? I'd like to the biggest on of these that won't cause other problems.

Now the stocking question. I would like to get a blue lobster/crayfish, probably Procambarus sp. I don't know a lot about these but have been doing a bit of research. There seems to be varying opinions on what can and cannot live with these guys. Some people say they eat anything and everything you have in the tank, while others have gone years with several fish and no casualties. I would like to add some fish with this guy. I was thinking 6 or so assorted barbs (tiger and/or green most likely), and maybe 4-5 zebra danios or something else? I'd like to have a couple different fish species in here if possible. Fish that are quick swimmers would probably be a good idea. Any suggestions or thoughts on this setup?

Another option I was considering, but thought the 29 might be too small was an african cichlid tank. I saw some nice Kenyi and similar at a local place, but had concerns that my tank would be too small for the 5-6 I would like to get. Can you mix similar sized species or is that typically a bad idea? I've read one male to 4 or so females is best. Again, I've read varying opinions.

I think I'd like to go with option one, even though I go back and forth. Anything else I need for my tank other than rock/caves/decoration/plants (fake)/water test kits and conditioners/lighting. Any other filter type stuff I would need? Do I need a separate bubbler type thing?

Thanks for your help.
 
Ok lets see...

I'd say go with the 1st or 2nd filter. many aquarists say the more water you can filter per hour the better, but unless you plan to upgrade in the future the 3rd filter may be unneccessary at this point and be a bit of an overkill. plus, you can save some money.

blue lobsters, I honestly don't have much experience with them so I'll leave that to someone else. If I had to guess, I would think fast "dither" fish such as the danios would be your best bet OR other fish that swim nearly excusively at the surface of your tank (many fish do just that).

equipment, you will probably not need a bubbler (airstone) for your tank. considering the tank is only 29 gallons your filter output should be enough to keep your tank with high oxygen levels. Especially if you decide to go with one of the stronger filters you listed. However, it is up to you, many people enjoy the looks of it, the fish generally do not care.

you will need a siphon to clean your gravel out, a good sized bucket, and a heater. I think you probably have thought of those already though. hehe. just mentioning.

I'm not 100% sure about the Africian cichlids, I have heard of people keeping small schools in tanks about your size. I believe they were called apistogrammas, the dwarf cichlids. www.apistogramma.com They stay quite small and could be a possiblity for sure. They got some really nice colors as well and often breed in smaller sized tanks. People seem to love them.

I hope I helped a bit!
 
I forgot to mention that I was thinking of adding a bristle nose pleco as well. Not sure if there would be any issue with that.

Thanks for the comments. So you think the XP3 would just be too much? I guess I figure for an extra $15 I could get the XP3 over the XP2, which isn't much. I just don't want it to cause issues. Maybe I should just stick with the XP2?
 
Again, with the filter that decision is up to you. Also, keep in mind that you have to consider how much water movement you want. If you want the water to be really rushing around your tank like a river, then the big filter would be good. Danios are fast swimmers usually found in rivers, thus they would enjoy that sort of thing. Keep in mind the mere size of the filter. It may be too big for your tank, I'm not sure I don't know those filters well. but it may be worth looking into. hehe. I agree with Homer Claus about the HOB filter for a tank your size.

about the bristlenose pleco. visit: http://animal.discovery.com/guides/fish/freshwater/bristlenose.html
This pleco seems to be a pretty good community choice. However, I would be very nervous about placing him in a tank with a Blue Lobster. Considering the Pleco will spend most of his time on the bottom, that sounds risky to me. They may not get along, but who knows. Better research that.
 
Why would a HOB be better? I've had both HOB and canisters before and tend to prefer the canisters because you can stick them in your stand without the big thing hanging off the back for my cats to knock the lid off of and constantly drink out of. I think they seem to be quieter too, with less trickle, in most cases. I think they work better too, but that could just be me.
 
its not really better or worse, just depends on how easy it is to clean, change media, etc. some canisters can be a pain, but some not at all.

it's personal preference of course. canisters can be hidden which is nice. it's really up to you!

your cats got skillz if they learned to do that. i am impressed. :)
 
get a test and test the water. in general pH is not a big issue for most fish as they can adapt. If you decided to go with african cichlids check the species profiles. many require a basic pH.

you can adjust the pH up and down using natural methods..ie peat to lower and shells to raise it(crushed coral works to)

but you can also try to get fish who's profiles might be a better match to your water.(easier to maintain)

also the species may you chose may help with the filtration choice..some species enjoy current and you can get larger filters.

if you want african you can look for dwarf african cichlids
 
hhgtrillian said:
Why would a HOB be better? I've had both HOB and canisters before and tend to prefer the canisters because you can stick them in your stand without the big thing hanging off the back for my cats to knock the lid off of and constantly drink out of. I think they seem to be quieter too, with less trickle, in most cases. I think they work better too, but that could just be me.
Click to expand...
Saves money to buy more fish. :D
 
Heya, since my nickname is blue lobster and I currently have one(a blue crayfish) I figured I would chime in here. I wouldn't recommend putting anything with them. They will eat anything that is not bigger than them, and if it is it will eat them. I have mine in a 10 gallon by himself with 6 guppies rightnow which is food when he feels like eating them.
 
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