Is there any fish per gallon rule?

[Zander]

No one has mentioned it because it is ok to use as a sketchpad - but NOT a final draft.

My point was that it's at least one step above the inch of fish per gallon rule. There are many things it doesn't take into account but at least it will tell you when a fish is too large for a tank or if you have enough filtration. It's not a good source for fish compatibility though.

[Cliff]

No one has mentioned it because it is ok to use as a sketchpad - but NOT a final draft.

+1 to the above

It's a great place to start your research, but it will not replace your research.

[Shidohari]

+1 million to all those who mention the catch to aquavisor.

While you can see what you can stock in the tank, take that list with you to your local fish store.

There you can check the compatibility charts and talk with them to see if they would suggest an alternate fish if they advise you something on your list will bully something else on your list. Make sure you double check the letters on the charts themselves if you want to double check their information.

And if you still find things aren't satisfactory or feel something would be too much of a list come back here and ask the experts on this forum. They'll steer you in the right direction in suggesting alternate fish for what you are trying to achieve with your stocking.

[Honey Badger 1]

but at least it will tell you when a fish is too large for a tank or if you have enough filtration.

So will common sense and reading a few articles. I've never been impressed with aquadvisor because as others have mentioned there are just too many variables to consider. I guess there are worse resources out there, yahoo comes to mind, but there are also many that are much more reliable.

[Zander]

So will common sense and reading a few articles.

You would really think so but in my experience a lot of beginners lack what I would consider to be common sense. There are a large number of people who think there is nothing more to fish than putting them in water.

[mizzoutank]

I agree Zander.

It is a good reference to get new people (and experienced people) to go play with their stocking levels. it'll open their eyes a bit.

I do it all the time. if i return my tetra's what could I replace...then i go look up more in depth of that replacement, and post here for the last bit of information.

but it is key to remind them that it isn't a set in stone thing. that calculator says you can only have like 5 swordtails in a 40breeder, so it can't tell me that I have 2 with my tetra's and am overstocked. lol.

Your post was in the right direction, but it's just a good reminder to add that caveat about the accuracy and the true intention of the website.

[talldutchie]

You would really think so but in my experience a lot of beginners lack what I would consider to be common sense. There are a large number of people who think there is nothing more to fish than putting them in water.

Very true. And there's tons of those around here as well. I've found that enjoying this forum and not getting banned depends on ignoring the threads that make my blood boil.

I say start slowly, read species profiles and have patience!

[Honey Badger 1]

You would really think so but in my experience a lot of beginners lack what I would consider to be common sense.

Very true, and I will add, some experienced and very experienced lack common sense as well. I prefer to teach people to think and learn rather than send them to a site that does the thinking for them, especially one that most who posted in this thread agree is flawed. As I said previously, it's not the worst out there, but I think books, articles, and places like this are far better and potentially more accurate. Why would you send people to a site that you have to warn them about the accuracy of its information?

[Loller]

I have recently browsed all around and now I know. In my 8g fluval, I'm probably just going to have my 5 ember tetras and my shrimp. May keep the 2 guppies, ill see how it looks with them in it. Thanks for replying and giving advice also.