Stocking My Fish Tank?

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
I have a 29 gal tank w/ 1 male betta & 2 otos, and some live java fern. It has rounded gravel (2-2.5") and tons of rock caves. All the ammonia & other levels are fine. So my question is, I want to fully stock my tank, and here are some stocking ideas I had, for sure I am going to add 2 more otocinclus. Oh, my tank has 1/2tsp of aquarium salt per 2 gallons.
These are fish I am interested in-
-bristlenose pleco(1)
-fem. platies(3+)
-fem. mollies(3+)
-upsidedown catfish(2or3)
-zebra danios(6)
-glowlight tetras(6)
-black neon tetras(6)
-fem. swordtails(3+)
-cherry barbs(6)
-corydoras(4)

Here are some stocking ideas I've thought of
Idea 1-
-6 black neons
-2 upside down catfish
-4 fem. mollies

Idea 2-
-6 glowlight tetras
-2 upsidedown catfish
-4 fem. platies

Idea 3-
-6 cherry barbs
-4 fem. platies
-1 bristlenose pleco

Idea 4-
-4 corydoras catfish (peppered)
-6 zebra danios
-4 female mollies or platies
-2 upside down cats

What would be 2 of the best stocking choices? Also, can you think of any better ones considering the fish I like?

Thanks so much in advance!! =D

Also, I plan to add the fish 2 or 3 at a time ever 2 weeks until I am fully stocked & more plants.







ANSWER: Hi Danielle,
Upside down cat fish do not go well with bettas, neither do mollies.  Since you cannot put mollies in with your betta, it would be better to add 1 teaspoon of aquarium salt to 5 gallons of water.
Idea # 3 is perfect
or
4 female platies,
6 glowlight neons
6 little corys
1 bristlenose
or
4 female platies
6 zebra danios
6 little corys
1 bristlenose
or
4 female platies
6 black neons
6 little corys
1 bristlenose
You can play around with these lists, remove one platy, and add 2 neons for example.

Mollies will nip the bettas beautiful fins so this is why they are not recommended.  Upside down catfish must live in groups of 6, and grow to 4 inches which would be too much for you tank.  I also would not trust them with a Betta.
Not too many fish get along with a Betta.  His long skirt is an attraction for many fish.  Neons, danios, corys, and plecos are among the best choices.
I hope this helps.
Lynda

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi,
So thanks so much for answering, but I am a little confused about "little cories" do you mean the dwarf ones, or would peppered or albino ones classify as "little?"
Also, these are my top 5 favorite fish
-female platies
-cherry barbs
-danios
-corydoras
-tetras (black neon or glowlight)

Which fish would be best for water kept around 79-80F. I have had it at that temp. since I started the tank, and when I lower it my betta got sick. I'm guessing that the H20 is too hot for danios, right?

Also, which fish, the tetras or cherry barbs would get along better with my betta?
And which tetras are hardier, the black neons or glolights?

Here are my new stocking ideas
-4 female platies
-6 peppered cories
-6 cherry barbs

OR
-4 female platies
-6 peppered cories
-6 black neons or glowlight tetras

OR
-7 female platies
-5 peppered cories

I like the last best because platies and cories are both fairly hardy fish, but what do you think?
Sorry about all the questions, thanks so much for your help!! =D


Answer
Hi Danielle,
All of the ones mentioned would be nice.  The black tetras, and glowlight are both hardy little fish.  They live quite a long time, as much as five years.  If you go with your second choice, you could add 2 more neons.  Neons go well with bettas.  They are interesting little fish, but the choice is yours.
Lynda