[theblueheretic]

Is there a way to formulate the (safe!!!) number of possible fish for a tank that is universal to all fish? Do other creatures in the tank (like invertebrates) need more or less oxygen/ water than fish? Is there some way I could divide the space or water capacity in a tank to find the maximum (and safest!!!!!!!!) sustainable amount of life?


Everyone I've spoken to uses the 1 inch of fish, per 1 gallon rule, however fish like goldfish need at least 10 gallons EACH. Anything smaller will supposedly stifle their growth or is insufficient, and that's only when the fish about 1 - 4 inches in length. I've read that a proper goldfish setup actually demands 50 gallons, plus ten more for each fish.
I'm not interested in goldfish specifically,I just use them as an example.

 

[ELewandowski]

It depends on the fish, no rule will work for all fish.

And goldfish(unless feeders) need more than a 10gallon tank.

 

[petlover516]

stocking levels depend on the size of the individual fish:

small schooling fish(i.e neon tetra)-1in. per gallon
small non-schooling fish(i.e.dwarf gourami)-1in. per 1 1/2-2 gallons
medium schooling fish(i.e. rosey barb)-1in. per 2 gallons
medium non-schooling fish(i.e. african cichlid)-1in. per 2 1/2-3 gallons
large schooling fish(i.e. tinfoil barb)-1in. per 4 gallons
large non-schooling fish(i.e. oscar)-1in. per 5 gallons

hope this helps!

 

[Billythefish]

That is a unanswerable question as you would need to take into consideration how big a fish would get when full grown. and that's like predicting the future lol.