What can I keep with a dozen neon tetras

If you want to do a fishy cycle I suggest cycling with danios they are very hardy fish. Don't cycle with neons you will lose them I agree that they are very sensitive to ammonia levels. Once your tank cycles then you can add neons. Australian or bosemani rainbows are a nice addition with your neons.
 
If you want to do a fishy cycle I suggest cycling with danios they are very hardy fish. Don't cycle with neons you will lose them I agree that they are very sensitive to ammonia levels. Once your tank cycles then you can add neons. Australian or bosemani rainbows are a nice addition with your neons.

Why cycle the tank with fish when a fishless cycle would be so much easier? Just because a fish is hardy doesn't mean it should be subjected to toxic ammonia and nitrite, which often causes permanent damage to the fish.

As for rainbows, praecox, furcata and other smaller species would work, but I would definitely skip the larger ones like Boesemanis. A 29 just wouldn't afford them enough space IMO.

Keyholes or apistogramma would do well with neons. Corys are a nice addition too.
 
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