Maximum Size Fish per Tank?

[Maccers]

Hi,

I am looking at getting a fish tank (havent kept tropical fish before), and I was wondering if there was a recommended maximum size fish that I can keep in it? (Like a ratio of fish length to to tank dimensions, similar to the one inch of fish per gallon recommendation).

I realise there is a large degree of common sense involved, just doing my research before getting anything.

Cheers,

Ross

[Duzzie]

There is a rule of thumb that some ppl use, but i cant remember it at the mo. I wouldn't rely on it though as it depends on the fish species. Some will be slower moving fish so more can be kept greater numbers. Likewise, some fish produce more waste than others, increasing the waste loading on the filter. Nitrates will build up at different rates for different fish, so the number of fish would be dictated by the frequecy of your water changes. Some species are more aggressive so need more room than others.

All of this makes it very dificult to give a number of inches of fish per gallon. Best research and decide what fish you want, then you can find what size tank you need for the fish you decide.

Not much help i know.

Duzzie

[njp]

Have a look on the pratical fishkeeping website, They have got loads of info on stocking ratio's

[Will5]

it all depends on the size of the tank and the length of the fish what size tank are you thinking of getting

[DaveM]

it is called fish inches, a given volume can hold so many in ches of fish, so say your tank holds 20 fish inches (can't remember the formula off of the top of my head) you can have 20 1 inch fish, 10 2 inch fish etc

[Kenorsanc]

Basically there is a rule but cant remember it right now why dont you just say the dimensions of the tank and the fish you would like to keep and I could help you out.

[Maccers]

Thanks for your replies.

I have got hold of a 24x12x12 tank, and was wondering what ws the biggest fish I could put in it? I think I can put approx 10 inches of fish in it(?), I was wondering though what the maxiumum recommended length would be.

Cheers,

Ross

[DaveM]

I personally wouldn't put a fish of over 2 inches in there, off the top of my head, 24x12x12 is something like 60 litres isn't it, so yeah, I personally wouldn't put in a fish over 2 inches, maybe 3 at a squeeze

[salad dodger]

Originally Posted by Duzzie

There is a rule of thumb that some ppl use, but i cant remember it at the mo. I wouldn't rely on it though

Not much help i know.

Duzzie

this information is as useful as the following brain fluff-
only ever have fish with 2 colours maximum or they will affect your eyes & make you impotent.

[RussianTort55]

For a 24x12x12 tank which i have, i kept a few neons and cardinals, and a few male guppies and some ADF (african dwarf frogs) also the whole inch per gallon is rubbish i have 11 tanks and i have never used that rule. The rule tech says that if you have a 30 gallon tank you could keep 2 15" fish. Which everyone knows is wrong. Also You can just tell if the tank is going well. If the fish are all well and there arnt to many. also if you keep up with water changes then you will be fine