Stocking Levels

[Arcticfox1977]

I understand that a lot of members go with the rule an inch of fish for every gallon. Is this a good rule to follow? I have worked my tank out and I am sure I have a 25 gallon tank. I have checked my fish just now (in my SIG) and would say I'm sitting with 20 inch's of fish. Could I get 5 more inch's or would I be overstocked?

 

[Lillefishy]

The inch per gallon rule isn't a good rule imo, might be ok for small fish but you wouldn't put a 10" fish in a 10 gallon tank.
I would say you're stocked as it is

 

[Arcticfox1977]

Thanks. LFS said I could go to 30 fish, but knew that was waaay to many.

 

[Lillefishy]

Lfs are there to sell you something.
You have to remember when stocking that many of the fish at the Lfs aren't at their adult size

 

[Arcticfox1977]

Totally aware of this. I've been on this forum a while and picked up a lot of knowledge.

 

[haleem8777]

Sorry i am hijacking your post but i have a question which is relevant in a way. Basically will having a planted tank increase the number of fish you could keep as alot of other websites are saying you can add more fish

 

[Zante]

Hmmm... In a manner of speaking yes, plants are excellent natural filters and will keep water quality higher, but water quality is not the only factor. However good water quality is fish also need living space.

To make an extreme example, to better explain my point, if it were just a question of water quality you could change the water three times a day and keep an Oscar in a 20 gallon tank. Obviously that is not the case.

I'd say stick to the same stocking level and give your fish better water quality and the vital space they need.