How many fish?

[cagrn]

Once I get cycled, how many fish should you start out with in a small tank? 26gal. Right now I have 2 Damsels starting the cycling. I didn't want to go that way, but I caved and have to live with it.

 

[fgcu14]

I'm still new to this but i think the general rule is 1 inch of fish per gallon. So if you have a 26 gal tank you can have a combo of fish to equal 26 inches. However I would shoot for 20 inches total to account for tank decorations ect.
With that rule in mind I would SLOWLY add fish in order for your tank to adjust to the amount of fish in the tank. If you add too quickly you will over load the system. :happyfish

 

[some1fishy]

correct fg

Go Slow with the additions. One a month should be good in a system that small.
But I would prefer to say 2" of fish per gallon. That way you can be certain with the amount of equipment and rocks in there.

 

[dischirm]

Actually with saltwater they really recommend that you have 1" of ADULT size fish for every 5 gallons.

 

[cagrn]

Thank you fg and fishy for the info, you have confirmed what I have read, being 1-2" per gallon at the most. I read about adding them slowly here earlier. Moray, I hadn't read that anywhere but will keep researching.

 

[omgsaltwat]

Originally Posted by Dischirm
Actually with saltwater they really recommend that you have 1" of ADULT size fish for every 5 gallons.
I agree to a point.. I think it really depends on the fish how much of a mess it makes when it eats how much waste it puts in the tank and what kind of food it eats....JMO