How do I figure Bio Load

[lerch]

I have 5 small fish in my tank and I already have several corals, so I was wondering exactly what animals count towards your bio load. Do just fish count or do corals and shrimp and other inverts impact you bio load. I have lots of scavenger animals so I am not worried about over feeding being a problem in my tank, but I am wanting to add some more corals and I want to know how to figure up what, if any room I have left for animals. <img src="graemlins//confused.gif" border="0" alt="[confused]" />

 

[lerch]

someone please answer me, I really need help with this.
PLEASE

 

[byrself]

i say only worry about the fish as far as bioload goes. try to keep a minimum amount of fish to reduce the waste produced in your tank. a good rule of thumb is 5 gallons per inch of fish. the more you allow extra the better imo.

 

[lerch]

Will someone please write me back, I really want to know how to do this.
I will really appreciate any answers. <img src="graemlins//confused.gif" border="0" alt="[confused]" /> <img src="graemlins//confused.gif" border="0" alt="[confused]" /> <img src="graemlins//confused.gif" border="0" alt="[confused]" /> <img src="graemlins//confused.gif" border="0" alt="[confused]" /> <img src="graemlins//confused.gif" border="0" alt="[confused]" /> <img src="graemlins//confused.gif" border="0" alt="[confused]" />

 

[nm reef]

As stated above I'd consider only the fish in regard to bio-load. Corals and clean-up crew add little to the bio-load. Personally I try to insure my filtration can handle the load placed on my system. I try to keep the fish population low but at the same time have an assortment that peacefully co-exists and looks good!
In my reef only 4 fish(55 gal) and in my fish only there are currently 5(58 gal)...so far the filtration systems handle the loads placed on them...but I do have a reading of 40 ppm nitrates in my fish only. This is primarily due to the number of fish and no sump/refugium. Plus there is only 50 or so lbs of LR...but I have increased the sand bed to 5"-6" in depth.Care needs to be taken to avoid over loading your filtration system. A good rule of thumb is 1" per 5 gal...but that can be flexable depending on the filtration.Bottom line is to avoid over loading your specific system and carefully consider additions.