29-Gallon Tank: Stocking & Equipment Guide
Complete 29-gallon tank plan: 150 W heater, ~261 GPH filter, ~26 inches of fish, 29 to 44 lb substrate, 7.3-gal weekly change.
Quick answer
29-gallon setup
Heater 150 W, filter ~261 GPH, about 26 inches of fish, 29 to 44 lb of substrate, and a 7.3-gallon weekly water change.
This is your one-page plan for a 29-gallon aquarium. Below are the computed numbers for heating, filtration, stocking, substrate, and water changes, each linked to a full breakdown. A 29-gallon tank holds about 26.1 gallons of real water once substrate and equipment take up space, and every figure here is sized to that reality.
Core gear for a 29-gallon tank
About 116 watts keeps a 29-gallon tank at a steady tropical temperature.
A HOB (hang-on-back) filter rated near 261 GPH covers a 29-gallon tank with margin.
Cycle the tank and keep ammonia and nitrite at zero.
Equipment for a 29-gallon tank
The core kit for a 29-gallon tank is a heater, a filter, a thermometer, substrate, and a light if you want plants. Heating works out to about 116 watts, delivered as 150 W. Filtration should turn the tank over 4 to 10 times an hour, so target 116 to 290 GPH and buy a HOB (hang-on-back) filter rated near 261 GPH to allow for media and clogging. An HOB or small canister both work well here.
| What | Answer for 29 gal | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Heater | 150 W (~116 W) | Heater guide |
| Filter turnover | 116 to 290 GPH, buy ~261 | Filter guide |
| Stocking | ~26 in of fish (17 neons) | Stocking guide |
| Substrate | 29 to 44 lb | Substrate guide |
| Weekly water change | ~7.3 gal (25%) | Water change guide |
Stocking a 29-gallon tank
With about 26.1 gallons of real water, a 29-gallon tank holds roughly 26 inches of small, slim fish. That is around 17 neon tetras, 13 guppies, or a betta with a small cleanup crew. Remember that big or messy fish such as goldfish and common plecos need far more room than their length suggests, so always check minimum tank sizes before buying.
Substrate and maintenance
Lay down 29 to 44 pounds of gravel or sand for a 1 to 2 inch bed. Once the tank is cycled and stocked, a weekly 25 percent water change of about 7.3 gallons keeps nitrate low and the water stable. Treat every batch of replacement water with dechlorinator, roughly 0.73 mL for that change, and use a gravel vacuum to pull out waste as you go.
Run the numbers yourself
Every figure here comes from our free tools: the volume, heater, filter, stocking, substrate, and water change calculators.
Frequently Asked Questions
What equipment does a 29-gallon tank need?
A 29-gallon tank needs a heater of about 116 watts (150 W), a HOB (hang-on-back) filter rated near 261 GPH, 29 to 44 pounds of substrate, a thermometer, and a light if you keep plants. Add a test kit and a gravel vacuum for maintenance.
How many fish can a 29-gallon tank hold?
A 29-gallon tank holds about 26.1 gallons of real water, roughly 26 inches of slim fish, for example 17 neon tetras or 13 guppies. Large or messy fish need much more room.
How often do you change water in a 29-gallon tank?
Change about 25 percent weekly, which is roughly 7.3 gallons for a 29-gallon tank. Treat the new water with dechlorinator first. Heavily stocked tanks may need a larger 50 percent change of about 14.5 gallons.
Is a 29-gallon tank good for beginners?
Yes. At 29 gallons the larger water volume is more forgiving and stable, which makes it easier for beginners than a tiny tank. More water dilutes mistakes and holds temperature and chemistry steadier.
Planning or running a tank?
Use our free calculators and guides to get every number right.
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