No such thing as 1" per gallon rule?

Question

That's right, and everyone who thinks that is a dumbass. There's a good article on it over at www.goldfishutopia.net

Anyways, the 1" per 1 gal only works on fish like tetras. However, goldfish, ciclids, plecos, and many other "round" fish grow exponentially. A 5" goldfish will weigh many grams lighter than a 6" one.

So please stop posting this "rule of thumb" and start giving good advice.

Answer 1

Hey genius,

A rule of thumb is an easily learned and easily applied procedure for approximately calculating or recalling some value, or for making some determination

We say 'rule of thumb' as our disclosure. This way we do not have to explain displacement laws and have to ask questions about density FOR EACH AND EVERY POST REGARDING FISH! Obviously you can have more pike in a tank than oscars, but if you follow the rule of thumb, in most cases you should be OK.

Answer 2

While that may be true, there are so many things you could tell someone just starting, especially when you do not know the particulars.

*Most beginners are going to do something like guppies or tetras. In those cases, one inch/one gallon is pretty good... unless they do goldfish...

*Stocking a tank is about territory, activity, and waste output. Some fish require almost no territory and you can squeeze a little. If it is a waste output issue, more frequent cleaning and a good filter can allow for more load. Some fish need to be crowded to reduce aggression! And of course, some fish grow! Every little bitty new oscar should start in a 29, minimum!

Just wanted to mention that. I feel that stocking is not nearly the issue that proper maintenance is. And I agree with you totally about goldfish- most people have no idea what they are talking about when they suggest a few goldfish for a five gallon bowl.

Answer 3

This guideline is often used by salespeople who want to have something to reference when explaining to customers about fishy habitats. Now, some take it too far and apply it to all fish (which is not always appropriate, I admit) but some do keep themselves in check and understand the very unique needs of most fishes.

We need to take into account the type of fish, it's growth, it's bodily needs, it's social needs, it's water needs, and so forth before we can make an actual judgement on how much room it will need. I never let customers buy large tetras, goldfish, or cichlids if they only have a 10 gallon tank.

Unfortunately, sometimes, they get what they want b/c they interpret the guideline how they want. *Shrugs* Sometimes we can't win.

Answer 4

Hmm, even worse advise is to look at any GENERAL RULE OF THUMB and saying it sucks. THis rule is good to a point, about slim bodied tropical fish under 4". Obviously havy waste producers need more space.

People, especially newbies need a rule to get a general idea of how to stock. Tons of experienced fish keeper scoff at this rule, but still use it to a point.

I argree with the fact it is not a rule but a guideline. I type in nearly every time that i post the guideline how inefficient it is. So please, give us a better rule for newbies, or else just shut up

Answer 5

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rules_of_thumb
"A 'rule of thumb' is an easily learned and easily applied procedure for approximately calculating or recalling some value, or for making some determination. "

The definition of rule of thumb indicates that the advice (or "rule") is an approximation.

Nowhere is the 1"/gallon value engraved in stone; but it is a good guide, espically for beginners to use. Too many fish could make the tank more difficult to upkeep.

So yes... I agree ... it is NOT a rule ... but a very good GUIDELINE.

Answer 6

Slim bodied fish. Including, but not limited to, guppies, tetras, danios, mollies, and platies. You know, the typical freshwater tropical fish. The ones that people tend to ask questions about on here.

So instead of accusing those of us who know that rule works of being dumbasses, why don't you take into consideration that the one-inch rule, like most of fish-keeping, is a matter of experience and opinion.

I will continue to post it. And I will continue to tell people that their goldfish, plecos, and cichlids go against those rules.

Thank you.

Answer 7

The problem is that the people who ask questions here want a quick simple rule. (Otherwise they would/could have done the research themselves online.) If you give them a more complex explanation they won't understand it, or chose not to. Nor will they be okay with idea they need to research each and every fish before they purchase it. Or the idea that you need to monitor your ammonia levels to determine if you are reaching capacity in a tank.

Answer 8

I agree that it is not a good rule for all fish but most of the tropical community fish it still works really well for

Answer 9

THE RULE OF THUMB IS FOR A THUMB NOT A FISH