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10th October 2011
How Many Tropical Fish Can I Keep In My Aquarium?
"A Common Question Asked By Those New To Fishkeeping - We Talk You Through The Tropical Fish Stocking
Basics"
By: Tropical Fish UK
This is one of the fundamental questions in keeping tropical fish. As a general rule, it is said that one inch of
fish per gallon of water is the optimum. However, there are several factors you need to take into
consideration.
Aeration of the water is crucial to keeping happy, healthy fish. The bigger the surface area of your tropical fish
tank, the better aerated the water it will be. It therefore stands to reason that the traditional rectangular fish
tank gives a much bigger area than the contemporary styles such as column aquariums or wall fish tanks.
You can, however, artificially aerate your aquarium and improve air circulation in the water. By introducing an air
stone to your fish tank and external air pump, you can keep the water oxygenated and provide your tropical fish
with a healthier environment.
This is particularly important when you keep live aquarium plants. In the process of photosynthesis, plants remove
carbon dioxide from the water, releasing oxygen during daylight hours - all well and good for your fish. But when
the lights go out, this process reverses. Live plants start to use oxygen and start producing CO2. This is bad news
for your fish. Just like any animal, fish need air to breathe. Suddenly they find themselves competing with the
plants. That is why an aeration system such as air stones are crucial. If you have ever seen fish at the surface
gasping, this is because the aeration of the tank is substandard. The good news is, this is simple and extremely
economical to remedy.
Other factors you should consider when stocking the tank is how big your fish are going to grow? You also need to
consider what will happen if your fish have babies. Species such as platys, swordtails, guppies and angel fish
reproduce relatively easily and before you know it, you can find yourself with a very crowded fish tank!
We do not think you can go far wrong with the one inch of tropicial fish per gallon of water rule if you bear these
factors in. You should find out how big the species you plan to buy are going to grow and work using those
measurements, rather than the size they are now. Remember, it is always better to understock than overstock. An
overcrowded tank will soon overload will put a lot of stress on the good bacteria in your biological filtration
system (imperative to any healthy aquarium) and could cause it to crash. A regular maintenance regime is crucial to
keep any fish tank in tip top condition. Remember, where fish are concerned, it's quality, not quantity we're
looking for. Rather than filling your tank with a mish mash of cheap fish, why not invest in some interesting
species such as angels or discus? They'll certainly keep you entertained and, if you give them proper care, stay
with you for years to come.
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