rule of thumb for fish population

[Lfunnyfarm]

In fresh water fish keeping, there is a basic rule of thumb of one fish per gallon of water. You can double that if you have filtration or aeration or triple it if you have both.

As I am discovering, saltwater fish keeping is an entirely different ball of wax. Are there any similar rules of thumb for population?

 

[Psirex]

Fish max size is the big determining factor which plays into filtration and then fish personalities.

 

[ca1ore]

Lots of rules of thumb; all equally useless.

 

[dave.m]

I don't think I've ever seen a saltwater thumbfish...

Dave.M

 

[Psirex]

Lots of rules of thumb; all equally useless.

Wouldn't necessarily say it like that.....

 

[dsmhero]

Far too many variables to be that generic. Let us know what you are thinking and we can guide you in the correct direction. Use the search function first, as there are usually quite a few threads dedicated to what you might be looking for.

 

[ca1ore]

Wouldn't necessarily say it like that.....

Well, you didn't ...... I did. As the prior poster notes there are simply too many variables for a reliable rule of thumb; therefore, they are useless generalizations. There are three things that dictate how many fish (bio load) a particular tank can handle: oxygen levels, the ability to dispose of wastes, and space. Think about all the things that influence those three.

 

[hobbzz]

Well, you didn't ...... I did. As the prior poster notes there are simply too many variables for a reliable rule of thumb; therefore, they are useless generalizations. There are three things that dictate how many fish (bio load) a particular tank can handle: oxygen levels, the ability to dispose of wastes, and space. Think about all the things that influence those three.

I would add temperament to that list.

 

[ca1ore]

I would add temperament to that list.

I'd consider that as a component of 'space'; at least as it pertains to total fish load. If, however, we're talking about the mix of fish within a certain maximum, then I agree that temperament and species mix becomes an important consideration.

 

[hobbzz]

Yeah you could definitely consider it a part of the space factor. Just wasn't sure that someone new to the hobby would pick that up.

 

[nuxx]

Only really follow the aggression and max size rules.

Everything else is different tank to tank.