Stocking Question

[ketihadams11]

i have heard 2 different ways of correct stocking one was an inch of fish per gallon and the other was based 1inch per 12 square inches which is correct

as it affects my tank as i could have 20 inchs or 26inchs a big difference

 

[dwarfgourami]

And it doesn't end there: you've then got to consider if any of your proposed fish are fast swimmers (need a lot of space), heavy waste producers (need more gallons/inch or extra filtration), schoolers (need to be kept in groups with their own kind), territorial (must not be kept with their own kind), or fin-nippers (must not be kept with fish with long flowing fins).

I tend to go by the inch per gallon rather than the surface rule, as that allows less fish- I like to be lightly stocked. I like to be on the safe side should I miss a water change, and I like to feel they have plenty of room.
However, surface is important in that a high narrow tank (like a BiORb) will house fewer fish than a standard rectangular one.

 

[ketihadams11]

And it doesn't end there: you've then got to consider if any of your proposed fish are fast swimmers (need a lot of space), heavy waste producers (need more gallons/inch or extra filtration), schoolers (need to be kept in groups with their own kind), territorial (must not be kept with their own kind), or fin-nippers (must not be kept with fish with long flowing fins).

I tend to go by the inch per gallon rather than the surface rule, as that allows less fish- I like to be lightly stocked. I like to be on the safe side should I miss a water change, and I like to feel they have plenty of room.
However, surface is important in that a high narrow tank (like a BiORb) will house fewer fish than a standard rectangular one.

thanks for that so i owuld be better sticking with the inch per gallon rule but in theory i could go a little over

 

[Cheese Specialist]

I don't use any such rules. They may give you a very basic idea but you also have to look at filtration, where your fish dwell, if they go together, maintenence, planting and size of the tank (as well as what DG said).

Too many fish in on area will overcrowd it. A good filter will keep water quality good even in an overstocked tank, plants will eat up ammonia/nitrite/nitrate. A bigger tank is more forgiving when overstocked (by the inch per gallon rule) and more stable.

HTH

 

[dwarfgourami]

I don't use any such rules. They may give you a very basic idea but you also have to look at filtration, where your fish dwell, if they go together, maintenence, planting and size of the tank (as well as what DG said).

Too many fish in on area will overcrowd it. A good filter will keep water quality good even in an overstocked tank, plants will eat up ammonia/nitrite/nitrate. A bigger tank is more forgiving when overstocked (by the inch per gallon rule) and more stable.

HTH

Yes, indeed, I forgot to mention the different tank levels. And the size of tank. And the option to add extra filtration/extra maintenance.
(though I think I would assume that anyone who is asking about the inch per gallon rule is looking at the sort of beginners' kit with modest filtration)

 

[Kombat]

During my research I read one site that said the inch per gallon rule is just a guide. It also said that as you get over 20 gallons they are more forgiving of the inch per gallon rule. And just like others said. With good filtration and maintenance you should be able to go over a bit without problems.

Karl

 

[ketihadams11]

During my research I read one site that said the inch per gallon rule is just a guide. It also said that as you get over 20 gallons they are more forgiving of the inch per gallon rule. And just like others said. With good filtration and maintenance you should be able to go over a bit without problems.

Karl

so the inch per gallon is a begginers guide as i was thinking some fish stick to low levels where as others prefer high or mid levels does that affect it

 

[baz_78]

As has been said above, mony of the 'rules' can only be used as a guide as so many other factors come into the equation.

A lt of people on here will be able to provide advice on different types of fish and their requirements...

 

[Cheese Specialist]

You can't just go on length. If you provide a list of what you want, in what and with what filtration and maintenence people can advise on the stocking.

We can't do much on just speculation as there are so many fish out there unless you be a bit more specific.