Is there a rule of thumb for stocking smaller aquariums?

[Selt1018]

I am trying to decide on where to stop with fish in my aquarium I have a smaller nano around 19g. I currently have a tiny hi fin red banded goby(max size 2") currently maybe 3/4' long, 2 true perc clownfish(max size 3') currently maybe 1 1/4' long, and im getting a yellow clown goby(max size 1 1/2') currently in transit


With smaller fish like that should I stop with those 4 or can I add 1 or 2 more? Should I just set up another aquarium for the other couple fish I would like to get?

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

I wouldn't add any more than that.

 

[Selt1018]

ok thanks ill look at setting up another tank then I have a couple smaller ones atm so will swap out a larger for one of the smaller. Really want a Jaguar Goby, Red Head Goby and a Purple Firefish. Maybe do another 17.4g rimless for them.

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

Firefish in a rimless isn't going to work.

 

[mikem101]

I would take out everything other then the clowns, JMHO. I would be concered with oxygenation with that many fish is such a small tank I would chose firefish and maybe 2 clown gobys or just the two clowns. Bio load and oxygenation could become an issue.

 

[Selt1018]

I will make a top for the rimless tank if I set another up. Oxygenation hasnt been an issue yet I have a powerhead to provide flow and a AC70 converted fuge and AC50 hob filter along with in tank skimmer. Bio Load wasnt an issue did have an issue with my water from my RO/DI and rock leaching Phosphates so had some hair algae on just 1 rock. So truthfully with all the extra water its probably closer to a 20g although alot of its in the equipment attached to the tank. I do a 20% water change every other week and use an airstone, heater, and powerhead in my mixing container. Might change that to a 10% every week though. I also change the carbon filter in the HoB on the off waterchange week so im not changing the filter and water at same time. I havent changed the sponge filter in a little while ill probably start changing that every month on a waterchange week.

I checked yesterday all of the fish atm are under 1 1/2 inch in size. Yellow Clown Goby is bout 1/2 inch long he is tiny probably the size of a Sexy Anemone Shrimp.

Although I realized yesterday my CUC is getting larger all the time with my Trochus spawning in the tank. I have several babies atm in my tank. They have gotten large enough that their shells are starting to color up. I thought they were just some hitchiker snail or something at first.

 

[nanoreefer1000]

Firefish in a rimless isn't going to work.

Why? I'm getting a top for my rimless.

 

[Selt1018]

Why? I'm getting a top for my rimless.

You can buy a screen window kit and then get mesh like whats sold by BRS or even screen window replacement screen and make a top out of it. The tops really dont look that bad as long as you keep the salt creep cleaned up so it doesnt build up on the rim of the top. I have also seen the edge made out of acrylic/lexan and they look really good too almost cant tell there is a top til your up close.

 

[small alien]

Why? I'm getting a top for my rimless.

Because rimless usually means topless too.