How Many Fish?

[Tobman]

What do you all recommend for the maximum quantity of fish in a mixed fish, coral, invert tank with protein skimmer, live rock and refugium? 75 to 90 gallons

 

[DaveAngie79]

i would not do much more that 8 depending on their sizes

 

[Blown 346]

It depends on the size of the fish when it ws bought, and the mature sixe it can grow to.

An average size fish is about 5 to 6 inches, so I would suggest not having more than 3 of them in a 75 to 90 gallon tank.

 

[DaveAngie79]

when you do add them i would do i 2 at a time every other week give your system time to adjust to then new fish

 

[Pandora]

As Blown mentioned, this is highly variable depending on what you want to keep. We can't just give one number. What are you interested in specifically?

 

[asphaltpilot]

With corals, I use the 15 gallon rule of thumb. 1 fish per 15 gallons of water.

 

[BlackOnyx]

I think it also depends on they activity rate. I have a gobie I almost never see he just sits in his little cave.

 

[BlackOnyx]

I wouldn't do more then 10-12 3" ones

 

[Tobman]

Good advice.

So check out Archie Luz's tank. It's a 65 gallon and he's got 17 fish in it. That's a lot of fish for a 65 isn't it?

Just goes to show you that each system is different.

 

[stevebydac]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6701458#post6701458 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tobman
Good advice.

So check out Archie Luz's tank. It's a 65 gallon and he's got 17 fish in it. That's a lot of fish for a 65 isn't it?

Just goes to show you that each system is different.

It's gorgeous, but keep in mind a few things. He has a much smaller margin for error with that many fish. He has a higher bioload, which means a greater chance of poor water quality and hair algae. He needs to be extra vigilent with water changes, plus needs top-quality equipment. In addition, if he ever has a long power outage, he is much more at risk of a tank wipeout than someone with 4 or 5 fish in that tank. I LOVE his tank, but I wouldn't recommend anyone copying what he is doing.

Play it safe, you are better off.