stocking a 55 gal.

[ropefishman]

Does any body know how many fish I can put in a 55 gal. tank and still keep it at a healthy #.



p.s. thanks in advance

[cocoa_pleco]

1 inch per gallon rule kinda works, but only for fish 3" and under

[ropefishman]

thanks for the help

[Lady Hobbs]

You need to decide what fish you want, what is compatible, is your pH close to what the species you intend to have, do you want cichlids or community fish, etc. And then read up on them, see what goes with what reasonably and how many of each species should be kept together.

Forget the darned rule!!!! Some fish can only be with one other in a 55 gallon tank (like Oscars) and many fish need 10-15 gallons PER fish. A 55 gallon, for instance, is good for 5 or 6 angelfish so you see, RULES STINK.

Here's a good compatiblity site if you're into reading.

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

Do not keep goldfish in community tanks and don't mix cichlids with the wrong cichlids and you'll do fine.

[cocoa_pleco]

yeah, you need compatible species. The inch rule is kinda crappy though. we need a bett3r rul3.

[ropefishman]

thank you guys who answered this question

[Chrona]

Generally, fewer fish means healthier fish, and a more stable, easier to maintain tank. As you approach the limits of a tank, you start to see uncharacteristic aggression from usually peaceful species, disease, stress, loss of coloration, etc. Of course, this is just a general observation. Some people have had way overstocked tanks without any negative consequences (as long as proper maintenance, ie water changes and monitoring) was performed. Your mileage may vary, but it's always better to be on the safe side. As a side note, schooling fish like tetras need to be in groups of 5-6 or more to be healthy and active in the long run, but the total stocking of the tank should take a higher priority.

[cocoa_pleco]

yeah, understocking means less work in ways.

My 10g SW is fine, my 10g high cichlid is overstocked, 10g with those small fish and betta is good, and my 20's kinda bad for overstocking since the angels were added.

the 20 long with toads is good, 2g with betta is good, empty 2g is REALLY understocked (lol).

[Lady Hobbs]

Good post Chrona.

Cocoa_pleco......it's better not to give that rule to others who ask as it's too debateable and seldom applies. All it does is confuse everyone.

[cocoa_pleco]

i guess so. Theres really no good rules. You just need to see if theres excess waste to see if youre overstocked.

[gm72]

Excess waste, yes, but also let's alert people to be aware of their fish's behaviors. Keeping fish is not unlike raising children. You do the laundry but also make sure they are performing well in school, yes?

Excess waste can be established even in a large aquarium with a single "dirty" fish like a goldfish or oscar.

[ropefishman]

thanks for all your help guys I didn't know if I was over stocked or under stocked. You guys realy helped me out.