Can planted tanks hold more fishes?

[yhbae]

I know live plants are helpful in aquariums. I have them in just about every aquarium I own. Never really thought of it much because it is a no-brainer unless species I keep eat them.

Since then, I started writing an online bioload calculator and tried to figure out what would be the effect of plants on the bioload. Many many people have been suggesting that I should add this "feature". Yes, plants do absorb _some_ toxic chemicals excreted by fishes, including ammonia and nitrates. On the other hand, I also read that fishes produce plenty more toxic chemicals/toxins that are not absorbed by plants.

So here's my ultimate question - can you keep more fishes in planted tanks? If so, WHY?

I always thought of having plants as a safety net rather than a mean to increase the total bioload of my tanks. But I would gladly stand corrected if this is not the case. :)

[Lady Hobbs]

Again, that would depend on the fish. It's not how much room they have as much as if the fish are compatible. If fish are not compatible, it doesn't matter how many plants are in the tank.

[yhbae]

Again, that would depend on the fish. It's not how much room they have as much as if the fish are compatible. If fish are not compatible, it doesn't matter how many plants are in the tank.

Sorry, I should have been more clear on this. Assuming compatibility is ok, does it affect bioload?

[sid101]

Is not necesairly that you can keep more fish as to the plants will take care better of your bioload, even if your water parameters are perfect if your fish start feeling with little room ussualy agression will rise, but yes plants allow for a higher bioload in the aquarium, even highly planted tanks can be so good at this that you could end up having to add nitrate compounds via ferts in your aquarium to help the plants thrive.

[Rocky06fx4]

I agree with sid101 it won't increase your ability to hold more fish. It will make your water better for the fish. Plus it seems fish like it more since most have plants in their wild habitat.

[Discus_Dude]

ditto... better water quality, but fish still need room. The more plants/decor the less fish you can have. It's all about balance and creating a healthy ecosystem.

[KingFisher]

I agree with all the posters above.

[SkyBaby]

I was slightly overstocked in my planted 12 gallon. Only 2 fish over though. I had 7 white clouds, 4 panda cories, and 1 male betta. All was well. My betta died of some unknown cause, but my water parameters were perfect.

[i_am_511]

This is really a 2 way answer.

Yes you can have more fish cause more fish equal more bioload. And the plants will help that bioload.

No you cant have more fish cause the plants take up room and fish need room plus plants take up space means less volume of water.

Live plants help more then they hurt. I couldnt even think of keeping a tank that isnt natural looking with plants in it.