Stock Levels...

[Squid]

using the inch per gallon rule.. the stocking level for my tank will be as follows.

angelfish x2 = 10 inches

Pentazona barbs x7 = 14 inches

Gourmais 1 male 2 female = 6 inches

Panda cory's x 6 = 12 inches

1 spotted raphael = 5 inches

total=47 inches

Now the tank is 180 litres (just under 48US gallons), and so by that rule im done.... It looks far from fully stocked let alone overstocked..

now, i know they will grow an i need to take that into mind, but i am also aware that the inch per gallon rule is a starting point to ensure people dont overstock in a hurry.

So.. could someone with a bit more knowledge than me advise me as to whether any more fish could be added at a later date.. ? im not sure how well this rule works for fish like catfish and angelfish..

if its a no, then thats fine.. id just rather be informed than make my own guesses...

Cheers
Squid

 

[Asmp41]

Things to look out for is 1. Is that their adult size?
2. Do they need space to move?
3. Are they likely to breed?
4. How many plants and ornaments take up space?
I am sure other will come up with more but it's a start

If the breeding is a no-no then sorry but I have looked generally as a rule.

 

[Squid]

1. Is that their adult size?
Yes.. not their current size

2. Do they need space to move?
ok

3. Are they likely to breed?
who knows.. hard to tell at this stage with angelfish.

4. How many plants and ornaments take up space?
see the sig.. i now have tall valis at the back, not small spiral ones.



Squid

 

[Die_Grinder]

the inch per gal rule is good for fish swimming.
tho with tropical fish there is not standard lore/rule for stocking, it goes by the size and power of the filter system for the tank. thats why lfs can stock loads and make there tanks looks crampt, and they can still get a pet store license.

 

[Squid]

the inch per gal rule is good for fish swimming.
tho with tropical fish there is not standard lore/rule for stocking, it goes by the size and power of the filter system for the tank. thats why lfs can stock loads and make there tanks looks crampt, and they can still get a pet store license.

ok.. to help then.. its a juwel rio 180 with standard internal filter and looks understocked

 

[Shelly_Otterkin]

Alot has to do with how big/active are your fish? Also how much waste they produce.
I am a firm beliver in there is no such thing as over filtration. My tanks are run on 2 filters that alone would be good for my size tank.
One more thing to look at is where are your fish swimming. Are they all at the top? Or spead out over the tank in all ranges.
Some will tell you never to go over the 1 per gal rule. Some just sit back and look at there "overstocked" tanks and smile.
It all comes down to how much work do you want to do and how much are you willing to risk?

 

[Die_Grinder]

I am a firm beliver in there is no such thing as over filtration.

i agree i have a 75L tank with a fluval 401 external canister filter too much it much better then not enuf

 

[Shelly_Otterkin]

What ! Only one filter! LOL now add a Aquaclear HOB and you have it covered!

 

[annka5]

New fish are smaller and shyer than more established ones, so you may well find it looks less "empty" when they become braver. I'd be inclined to wait until they are all swimming confidently about and have grown a bit before deciding either way.
Having said that, I would suggest you could easily add more later.
Filtration only helps the water quality in terms of nitrite and ammonia, but not pH and nitrate; it doesn't increase the size of the tank though (obviously!) in terms of swimming space, hiding space, and your fishes ability to get away from each other. I reckon LFS stocking has more to do with it not being the fishes permanent home - they're only in those tanks for, what, a couple of weeks or so? To see the fish behaving naturally you would need to stock less heavily.

 

[Squid]

New fish are smaller and shyer than more established ones, so you may well find it looks less "empty" when they become braver. I'd be inclined to wait until they are all swimming confidently about and have grown a bit before deciding either way.
Having said that, I would suggest you could easily add more later.
Filtration only helps the water quality in terms of nitrite and ammonia, but not pH and nitrate; it doesn't increase the size of the tank though (obviously!) in terms of swimming space, hiding space, and your fishes ability to get away from each other. I reckon LFS stocking has more to do with it not being the fishes permanent home - they're only in those tanks for, what, a couple of weeks or so? To see the fish behaving naturally you would need to stock less heavily.

Sounds sensible as ever..

Thanks
Squid