yes, but that is just for him. also, minimums are generally what is good for a fish to survive, not necessarily thrive. I personally would want my fish to grow to its maximum size and be as colourful as possible, which overcrowding will keep it from doing. Considering that the other fish require a gallon per inch as well, he isnt getting all the space he needs. im sure the biocube will be fine for him for a while, along as he is alone with a few of those snails, cause they dont require any gallonage per inch. but yeah, the biocubes are a huge investment, i totally understand.