Aquarium Forge

29 gallon Aquarium

Everything about the 29 gallon tank: its real water volume, the fish that fit, and the heater, filter, substrate, and total weight it needs — calculated with the same tools as our calculators.

Quick Facts

Nominal Volume
29 US gallons (109.78 L)
Approximate Water Volume
24–27 gallons
Common Dimensions
30 × 12 × 18 inches
Suitable Fish
41 species in our database
Recommended Heater
100–150 W
Recommended Filter
116 GPH (439 LPH)

Suitable Fish

These species have a minimum tank requirement of 29 gallons or less, so they can live in a 29 gallon tank:

Stocking Examples

A balanced starting point for a 29 gallon community — 7 × Neon Tetra + 4 × Guppy.

Stocking status: Moderate — Bioload 20 of ~29 points for your 29-gallon tank.

Build your own plan

Filter Recommendations

For a freshwater community, target about 116 GPH (439 LPH) of actual turnover. The minimum sensible flow is 87 GPH.

Manufacturer flow is rated on an empty filter — real flow drops with media and head height, so choose toward the upper end.

Heater Requirements

Holding 78°F in a 68°F room needs roughly 100–150 W. A temperature rise of 10°F (5.6°C) is assumed.

Two smaller heaters (one at each end) heat more evenly and give redundancy — worth considering for larger tanks.

Substrate Amount

With a 2-inch gravel bed, a 29 gallon tank needs about 11.8 L / 720 cu in — roughly 19.82 kg / 43.7 lb.

Estimated Weight

Set up and filled, a 29 gallon tank weighs around 275.65 lb — including water, glass, a 2-inch gravel bed, and a small allowance for decor and equipment.

Add the stand or cabinet weight separately when checking your floor.

Compatible Equipment

  • Heater: 100–150 W (adjust for your room temperature).
  • Filter: 116 GPH (439 LPH) actual turnover.
  • Substrate: 11.8 L / 720 cu in of gravel at a 2-inch depth.
  • Lighting: match the fixture to the tank length (30 inches) and to your plants' needs.
  • Stand: rated for at least 275.65 lb.

Frequently asked questions

How many gallons does a 29 gallon aquarium actually hold?

A 29 gallon tank is rated at 29 US gallons nominal, but real water volume runs lower — typically 24–27 gallons once it is filled to the frame line and you account for substrate, rock, and equipment displacement.

What fish can live in a 29 gallon tank?

Roughly 41 of the species in our database suit a 29 gallon tank (minimum tank requirement at or below 29 gallons). Popular options include Betta, Neon Tetra, Guppy, Bronze Corydoras, Harlequin Rasbora.

What filter do I need for a 29 gallon tank?

For a freshwater community, aim for about 116 GPH (439 LPH) of actual turnover — the minimum sensible flow is 87 GPH. Manufacturer ratings are measured on an empty filter, so size up when in doubt.

What heater wattage for a 29 gallon tank?

To hold 78°F in a 68°F room, a 29 gallon tank typically wants around 100–150 W. The exact figure depends on the temperature rise and how cold the room gets.

How much gravel does a 29 gallon tank need?

With a 2-inch bed, a 29 gallon tank needs about 11.8 L / 720 cu in, weighing roughly 19.82 kg / 43.7 lb.

Figures are planning estimates calculated at 68°F room → 78°F target, 90% fill, and a 2-inch gravel bed. Last reviewed: .