Rule of Thumb....
- Thread starter kellig
- Start date
jaymz
Member
Rules of thumb dont apply very well in salt water because all these creatures we put in to the tank are usually from different parts of the world and take territory differently.
But I would consider the fishes adult size and no more than 1" per 5 gallons. that will keep you safe generally as long as you keep compatible fish. The more you learn you will figure out how to keep maybe a few more smaller fish.
As an example I have 3 fish in a 75. 7" trig 2" clown and 4" golden head sleeper goby. I feel fully stocked I may add another small fish if something catches my eye.
I cant wait until slack finds this thread!
But I would consider the fishes adult size and no more than 1" per 5 gallons. that will keep you safe generally as long as you keep compatible fish. The more you learn you will figure out how to keep maybe a few more smaller fish.
As an example I have 3 fish in a 75. 7" trig 2" clown and 4" golden head sleeper goby. I feel fully stocked I may add another small fish if something catches my eye.
I cant wait until slack finds this thread!
fishygurl
Active Member
Originally Posted by Jaymz
http:///forum/post/2724599
Rules of thumb dont apply very well in salt water because all these creatures we put in to the tank are usually from different parts of the world and take territory differently.
But I would consider the fishes adult size and no more than 1" per 5 gallons. that will keep you safe generally as long as you keep compatible fish. The more you learn you will figure out how to keep maybe a few more smaller fish.
I totally agree. With saltwater it is harder to figure out fish lists than just by size of fish for fw.
Saltwaterfish you have to look at many different things, If you plan on keeping inverts or coral you need to make sure the fish arnt going to eat them.
You need to make sure that all the fish on your list are compatible for eachother or have PLENTY of room.
Some things you need to look at is what temperature they like. Since some things like others.
If you have good equipment your tank will be able to handle a little more bioload. But for this you..
Then you need to look at swimming space. (its better to Not have ___ many inches of fish swimming all around then it would be to have __ many inches swimming all around __ many inches swimming in a certain spot and __ many inches in the sand. )
you also need to look at how big the mature size of this fish is.
The care level of the fish.
How aggressive the fish, is it easily bullied, or aggressive with territory (this will help you pick which fish you should add in first and last.)
So ya basically you have to look at a lot of different things when picking out fish. And its not just by inches. If you make a proper list you might be able to squeeze a few more in but dont over do it. Cuz if your fish get stressed then they will be more prone to disease and that wouldnt be good for you or them.
Mainly research research research...
If you want to stay totally safe on the bioload thing then 1 inch of fish per 5 gallons, But there are still things you need to make sure that they are compatible. Like you cant get a 11 inch shark and keep that.
Oh ya this reminds me one other thing to look at is your tank dimensions. Having wider and long tanks is usually best. not tall, but some types of fish would like tall tanks, such as some seahorses.
So ya i know of people on here that keep like fish 1 inch every 10 gallons to some that keep like 1 inch per gallon or 2. Its just has to do with how big the tank is, equipment, dimensions, compatibility, swimming room, etc.
http:///forum/post/2724599
Rules of thumb dont apply very well in salt water because all these creatures we put in to the tank are usually from different parts of the world and take territory differently.
But I would consider the fishes adult size and no more than 1" per 5 gallons. that will keep you safe generally as long as you keep compatible fish. The more you learn you will figure out how to keep maybe a few more smaller fish.
I totally agree. With saltwater it is harder to figure out fish lists than just by size of fish for fw.
Saltwaterfish you have to look at many different things, If you plan on keeping inverts or coral you need to make sure the fish arnt going to eat them.
You need to make sure that all the fish on your list are compatible for eachother or have PLENTY of room.
Some things you need to look at is what temperature they like. Since some things like others.
If you have good equipment your tank will be able to handle a little more bioload. But for this you..
Then you need to look at swimming space. (its better to Not have ___ many inches of fish swimming all around then it would be to have __ many inches swimming all around __ many inches swimming in a certain spot and __ many inches in the sand. )
you also need to look at how big the mature size of this fish is.
The care level of the fish.
How aggressive the fish, is it easily bullied, or aggressive with territory (this will help you pick which fish you should add in first and last.)
So ya basically you have to look at a lot of different things when picking out fish. And its not just by inches. If you make a proper list you might be able to squeeze a few more in but dont over do it. Cuz if your fish get stressed then they will be more prone to disease and that wouldnt be good for you or them.
Mainly research research research...
If you want to stay totally safe on the bioload thing then 1 inch of fish per 5 gallons, But there are still things you need to make sure that they are compatible. Like you cant get a 11 inch shark and keep that.
Oh ya this reminds me one other thing to look at is your tank dimensions. Having wider and long tanks is usually best. not tall, but some types of fish would like tall tanks, such as some seahorses.
So ya i know of people on here that keep like fish 1 inch every 10 gallons to some that keep like 1 inch per gallon or 2. Its just has to do with how big the tank is, equipment, dimensions, compatibility, swimming room, etc.
nygel
Active Member
Originally Posted by FishyGurl
http:///forum/post/2724783
So ya i know of people on here that keep like fish 1 inch every 10 gallons to some that keep like 1 inch per gallon or 2. Its just has to do with how big the tank is, equipment, dimensions, compatibility, swimming room, etc.
good advice, because in MY view at least its what you can keep happy and healthy in a certain tank. Am I advocating putting large fish in a small tank? No, their are exceptions, but I feel if I can put... say.... 4 nano fish in a 20 long and they all live happily coexisting then perfect. It just depends on the fish. Shrimp gobies and clownfish generally don't move, so size doesn't matter as much to them as an angel.
http:///forum/post/2724783
So ya i know of people on here that keep like fish 1 inch every 10 gallons to some that keep like 1 inch per gallon or 2. Its just has to do with how big the tank is, equipment, dimensions, compatibility, swimming room, etc.
good advice, because in MY view at least its what you can keep happy and healthy in a certain tank. Am I advocating putting large fish in a small tank? No, their are exceptions, but I feel if I can put... say.... 4 nano fish in a 20 long and they all live happily coexisting then perfect. It just depends on the fish. Shrimp gobies and clownfish generally don't move, so size doesn't matter as much to them as an angel.
fishygurl
Active Member
Originally Posted by nYgel
http:///forum/post/2724882
good advice, because in MY view at least its what you can keep happy and healthy in a certain tank. Am I advocating putting large fish in a small tank? No, their are exceptions, but I feel if I can put... say.... 4 nano fish in a 20 long and they all live happily coexisting then perfect. It just depends on the fish. Shrimp gobies and clownfish generally don't move, so size doesn't matter as much to them as an angel.
exactly. But the fish that dont move much where size doesnt really matter than you have to look at your tanks balance. and the equipment you have to make sure it can stand the bioload.
http:///forum/post/2724882
good advice, because in MY view at least its what you can keep happy and healthy in a certain tank. Am I advocating putting large fish in a small tank? No, their are exceptions, but I feel if I can put... say.... 4 nano fish in a 20 long and they all live happily coexisting then perfect. It just depends on the fish. Shrimp gobies and clownfish generally don't move, so size doesn't matter as much to them as an angel.
exactly. But the fish that dont move much where size doesnt really matter than you have to look at your tanks balance. and the equipment you have to make sure it can stand the bioload.
KilliG, welcome to Saltwaterfish.com!
I'm going to move your topic over to the Fish Forum since it is more hobby discussion related.
In this hobby, there is no "rule of thumb" in regards to stocking. Less is better than more, especially for smaller tanks, and hobbyists just getting started in the hobby. What you want to achieve with a fish tank is compatible species that have adequate environmental needs being met in your system. To achieve this, the hobbyist is best to do a lot of research into stocking lists.
You've come to the right place to get started.
I'm going to move your topic over to the Fish Forum since it is more hobby discussion related.
In this hobby, there is no "rule of thumb" in regards to stocking. Less is better than more, especially for smaller tanks, and hobbyists just getting started in the hobby. What you want to achieve with a fish tank is compatible species that have adequate environmental needs being met in your system. To achieve this, the hobbyist is best to do a lot of research into stocking lists.
You've come to the right place to get started.
coral keeper
Active Member
Originally Posted by Beth
http:///forum/post/2725280
KilliG, welcome to Saltwaterfish.com!
I'm going to move your topic over to the Fish Forum since it is more hobby discussion related.
In this hobby, there is no "rule of thumb" in regards to stocking. Less is better than more, especially for smaller tanks, and hobbyists just getting started in the hobby. What you want to achieve with a fish tank is compatible species that have adequate environmental needs being met in your system. To achieve this, the hobbyist is best to do a lot of research into stocking lists.
You've come to the right place to get started.
I totally 100% agree that there is no such thing as "rule of thumb".
http:///forum/post/2725280
KilliG, welcome to Saltwaterfish.com!
I'm going to move your topic over to the Fish Forum since it is more hobby discussion related.
In this hobby, there is no "rule of thumb" in regards to stocking. Less is better than more, especially for smaller tanks, and hobbyists just getting started in the hobby. What you want to achieve with a fish tank is compatible species that have adequate environmental needs being met in your system. To achieve this, the hobbyist is best to do a lot of research into stocking lists.
You've come to the right place to get started.
I totally 100% agree that there is no such thing as "rule of thumb".
stdreb27
Active Member
Originally Posted by nYgel
http:///forum/post/2724882
Shrimp gobies and clownfish generally don't move, so size doesn't matter as much to them as an angel.
I disagree with the clown, my clowns territory is the whole 58 gallon, that fish roams alot. but I do see what you are saying.
http:///forum/post/2724882
Shrimp gobies and clownfish generally don't move, so size doesn't matter as much to them as an angel.
I disagree with the clown, my clowns territory is the whole 58 gallon, that fish roams alot. but I do see what you are saying.
