Stocking Guidelines - Please Refresh

[fry_lover]

I normally use standard on-line calculators but have confused myself

trying to work out "normal" stocking level (max level) for an over-filted (2x externals) 300 litre / 67 gallon aquarium

I have x2 of these to stock, one will be mostly USA Cichlids and one African Cichlids

I am coming to the conclusion about 120" of fish will be the maximum?

i am aware that there are a lot of other variables involved, but whats the general rule of thumb for stocking levels please?

does 120" of fish (i.e. approx 20x 6-inch fish) in a 67 gallon / 300 litres sound about right (as a MAX stocking level)

 

[Miss Wiggle]

that sounds massivley over to me, i work roughly to 1" per us gallon.

obviously lots of variables blah blah blah. but that's the rough idea i use

 

[ennbee]

I go by 1" of fish per gallon for at least the first 6-8 months, I then gradually build up to 2" per gallon.

 

[fry_lover]

whats a US Gallon?

 

[Miss Wiggle]

roughly 3.7 litres i think.

divide your litres by 3.7 and you get us gallons, thats roughyl how many " of fish you should have...... IMO anyway

 

[fry_lover]

2" per gallon sounds about right (if everything is mature etc)

i guess if you set yourself a max limit of 1" per gallon atleast you have very "spacious aquariums"



ok thansk, that equates to 81" of fish,

if i was looking at 120" of fish, with your formula that would work out at 1.5" of fish per US gallon

awww shucks i got some thinking to do, with my stocking ideas

 

[Squid]

Filtration and the maturity of a tank do make a difference to the stocking levels that you can use in a tank, but at the end of the day just look at the tank. Think about whether you REALISTICALLY think that there is ample room for the fish to swim about in, not be harrassed, and have a bit of time out if need be.

My tank is slightly over the 1" per gallon rule, but doesn't look busy. I probably wouldn't add any more though, as the rainbow fish in the middle of the tank are fairly active, and so need space.. No amount of filtration and maturity gives fish space.!

Squid

 

[fry_lover]

of course there are many things to consider, but i would like to get a expert or semi-expert (experienced peeps) views on stocking levels for these groups of fish (i.e these set-ups)


1. Malawi

2. Other Cichlids (but not established breeding pairs) - Convicts (males only), Kribensis, Severum, Young Red Devils (to be moved on or upgrade to bigger tank when they reach the 8-9" mark)

to consider is

- Overly filtered as per specs and fully matured (Eheim externals)

- Happy to do 30-40% water changes per week


PS - i know, i know, Red Devils in a 67 gallon, yup, but i've had these since new-borns and i have five that are currently 2-3"

 

[Miss Wiggle]

malawi's you should overstock however i don't know the levels.

NW cichlids you can't really work out on any " per gallon rule. they vary far too much and they are big waste producers. to give an example if you have an 8" cichlid that likes swimming space and is moderatley territorial you need to allow they're own space so allow 20g of the tank space for them. depends on the species so you have to make a list and have a stab at the requirements for each then juggle them around until it adds up roughly right and you've got an answer!

 

[fry_lover]

Filtration and the maturity of a tank do make a difference to the stocking levels that you can use in a tank, but at the end of the day just look at the tank. Think about whether you REALISTICALLY think that there is ample room for the fish to swim about in, not be harrassed, and have a bit of time out if need be.

My tank is slightly over the 1" per gallon rule, but doesn't look busy. I probably wouldn't add any more though, as the rainbow fish in the middle of the tank are fairly active, and so need space.. No amount of filtration and maturity gives fish space.!

Squid

Yes, well said, and i am glad you said it, as i am in the middle of stocking 2x 67 gallon tanks with existing fish i have (and that come with one of the 67 gallon tanks i purchased

http/s95.photobucket.com/albums/l149/eazyrog/Fish%20Tank/

at the moment i have 6 tanks, ranging from 24" to 48" in my flat with different fish in them, and i am trying to sort out combinations for each of the 2x 67 gallon and sell / give away whats not needed or i cant keep

Trying to be sensible and think longer term, rather than just the next month or too, trying!!!!!

 

[fry_lover]

malawi's you should overstock however i don't know the levels.

NW cichlids you can't really work out on any " per gallon rule. they vary far too much and they are big waste producers. to give an example if you have an 8" cichlid that likes swimming space and is moderatley territorial you need to allow they're own space so allow 20g of the tank space for them. depends on the species so you have to make a list and have a stab at the requirements for each then juggle them around until it adds up roughly right and you've got an answer!

Yes, again well said, i do hear what your saying, if it helps, all my USA cichlids are under the 4" mark at the moment. I know what you mean, its hard to have a clear rule and i certainly am not going to assume that if someone says 100" for your tank, then i can go mad, you are right though, if i didnt know any better and someone said i could have 100" of fish in my 67 gallon, i could end up buying a 10" Oscar, a 12" Arrowana and the list goes on (just to highlight your good point Wiggle)

Just trying to get some baseline figures and have peeps pull me in the right direction, you know the score, tanks to fill, all the excitement.

other points about me

1. not a newbie, kind of in the "Middle" i guess, know the basics and am quite obsessive

2. dont want to be "text book" with my stockings (levels of tank and what fish i mix not what i wear LOL) - but also dont want to give myself or my fish undue headaches or heartbreak down the line.

3. i dont really buy into the "can only have a fish if you can accommodate it for the rest of its life", i like the sound of that, but i personally am happy to opt out of that ideal (sometimes)

 

[fry_lover]

"i dont really buy into the "can only have a fish if you can accommodate it for the rest of its life", i like the sound of that, but i personally am happy to opt out of that ideal (sometimes)"

however in saying that, i am starting to feel i am "p*ssing in the wind" with the young Red Devils and not having a a 5x2x2 or 6x2x2 (even though they still tiny) Have just decided to move the most dominant one on (still only 3") - as he's really quite vicious, but my fear is one of his siblings will simply take his place.

perhaps i need to do a different thread about all this re-stocking business.