Just wondering if there is a rule of thumb for how many fish you can have in your tank (Like 1" of fish for each gallon of water)? I've heard the rule before but I can't remember exactly what it was. I have a 46 gallon bowfront SW tank. I want to make sure I don't over do it.
What is the rule of thumb?
- Thread starter Squidward
- Start date
sw is .5" inch per gallonSquidward said:
in my opinion saltwater fish tend to be more territorial
One cubic inch of fish per gallon is the rough guideline they are refering to, It does not take into account the needs of your individual fish, ie. how active or territorial it is. It also does not take into account the footprint of the tank. A 40g bowfront could easily hold 6-8 corys and 160 small tetras, it could hold only one serrasalmus rhombeus.
If you post a couple lists of optional stocking ideas we would be able to help you better.
If you post a couple lists of optional stocking ideas we would be able to help you better.
This rule makes as much sence as ordering a foot of beer, designing a 300hp computer or measuring your thumb in IQ units.
Three 5" kuhli loaches need about one gallon of water, one 15" Oscar needs 60.
According to this rule both would need 30.
Three 5" kuhli loaches need about one gallon of water, one 15" Oscar needs 60.
According to this rule both would need 30.
shekes said:
actually 15 inch oscar will need 150gallons
for instance the oscar is 15" by lets say 5" and 2 inchs thick
15x5x2=150 cubic inches
Sorry, still half asleep and without my glasses, 46g sw.
You have a problem, I am not sure which triggerfish is the Humu but the panther grouper grows (fairly slowly) to over 30", and while there are several species sold as spotted groupers they range in adult size from 19" to 49", all grow fairly quickly, panthers and spotteds are fish eaters and can easily eat damsels and clowns. here is a pic of the smallest of the spotted groupers at around 18" and an adult panther
You have a problem, I am not sure which triggerfish is the Humu but the panther grouper grows (fairly slowly) to over 30", and while there are several species sold as spotted groupers they range in adult size from 19" to 49", all grow fairly quickly, panthers and spotteds are fish eaters and can easily eat damsels and clowns. here is a pic of the smallest of the spotted groupers at around 18" and an adult panther
I realize my tank is too small for all the fish I have now. But they all are very young and pretty small (the largest is only 4 inches). I am currently shopping for a larger tank (in the 90g to 110g range).
Shekes.. you have a good point. But remember that a rule of thumb doesn't apply in all situations. It's a general guide line. Of course there are no exact rules to follow. And as Guppy pointed out ... there are other factors one must take into account. I realize this.
My main goal is to have a predatory tank and I really love the groupers. I have two and don't need any more. They are so beautiful. I'm breeding feeder mollies in a 10g brackish tank. But most of the time the fish are eating frozen carnivorous cubes. The live stuff will be a treat. Anyways, I'm blabbing. Thank to all for the feedback.
Squiddy
Shekes.. you have a good point. But remember that a rule of thumb doesn't apply in all situations. It's a general guide line. Of course there are no exact rules to follow. And as Guppy pointed out ... there are other factors one must take into account. I realize this.
My main goal is to have a predatory tank and I really love the groupers. I have two and don't need any more. They are so beautiful. I'm breeding feeder mollies in a 10g brackish tank. But most of the time the fish are eating frozen carnivorous cubes. The live stuff will be a treat. Anyways, I'm blabbing. Thank to all for the feedback.
Squiddy