How to Properly Over Stock?

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NorCal

NorCal

Exodon
MFK Member
Mar 20, 2015
77
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21
Marina, CA
So I apologize if this has been asked before... I have read lots of threads with lots of opinions but no real direct answer (to this question at least).

Do you stock based on how many gallons the tank is or floor space (tank demensions)?

How do you come up with an over stock number for a peacock/ hap tank?

Some say stock based on gallons (half of the number of gallon IE 25 fish in 50 gal) and others say the floor space (territory) is what really matters... Who's right? Lol
 
Measuring the actual floor space is best way of determining stocking densities.....Species selection does play a role, Aulonocara/Haps will require a denser stocking plan. I've seen tanks stocked as heavy as one adult cichlid to one gallon of water, these tanks require well established filtration systems.
 
There are a number of factors when i t comes to stocking, the main one is there being enough filtratio. As for the volume of the tank (gallons) that will mainly effect row often you need to change water.

For the fish I always look at floor space as being the deciding factor, as this is the direction that they spread there aggression.
 
Ok ok so now I'm open to suggestions. My LFS guy says I can stick 20 fish in my tank easy... Floor space is 48" x 18". Would that be a more or less accurate number?

I currently have 13 fish in there right now. All peacocks and haps with the exception of one Pleco.
 
there is a formula for stocking ACs, I just cant remember off the top of my head. A quick google search will reveal
 
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