Just wondering how many can I fit in. I would like to have as many as possible, cause those neon tetras look so cool!! Let me know, please. tks
2006-07-23 16:15:54 · 16 answers · asked by Dana B 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
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2006-07-23 16:16:48 · answer #1 · answered by samantha h 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The number of fish in a tank shouldn't actually be measured by gallon, but by the dimensions of the top of the tank. An overcrowded tank will be low in oxygen and pollute quickly. The larger the dimensions at the top of the tank, the more inches of fish you can have(a wide 10 gallon tank can hold more fish than a tall 10 gallon tank). Multiply the length of the tank in inches with the width, then multiply that by 8%.(ie: a tank that's 20" by 10", like an avg 10 gal, can hold 16 inches of freshwater fish-- 20x10=200, 200x.08=16) The same rule also applies for saltwater fish, but use 2% instead of 8) Just make sure you use the adult size to figure the inches of the fish, or you'll have to buy a larger tank later. (if using goldfish, choose 1/2 as many fish-they're dirty!!!)
Also, if you're using neons, you could probably bend these rules a bit, and add a few extras, especially if you add peat to the filter. It makes the water a little darker, but you'll have very happy fishies.
2006-07-24 19:11:46 · answer #2 · answered by ~-~-~-~-~ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Answer: Generally the rule is an inch of fish per gallon of water. However, full bodied fish such as Goldfish, require far more space than that. You must also take into account the shape of the tank, as the air exchange happens at the surface of the water. A tall thin tank has less surface area for the volume of water than a short long tank.
10 gallons is not a lot of real estate, so you won't be able to keep too many fish in that aquarium. I'd stick to small, slim bodied fish. A half dozen schooling fish, such as neon tetras would be lovely, with a small bottom dwelling fish or two. Or consider keeping a small school of danios and a couple of barbs. There are many options, just take care to avoid fish that reach an adult size larger than inch or two.
Adding the Fish
Small aquariums are a real challenge to startup, so much so that I don't recommend them for beginners. Ammonia and nitrite levels can rise to dangerous levels very quickly because there is so little water to dilute them. Add only a couple of fish to start. Once the ammonia and nitrite levels fall to zero, you can add a couple more. Wait a week and test the water. If the ammonia and nitrite levels are still zero, you can add a couple more fish. Better to take it slow and easy, then to lose your fish.
Stop back and let us know what you selected for your tank. Better yet, send a photo - we'd love to see your new aquarium.
http://freshaquarium.about.com/cs/qa/a/qa016.htm
2006-07-23 23:28:51 · answer #3 · answered by Martin S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The general rule of thumb is 1 inch of fish per gallon.
With goldfish, it's different coz they get bigger and crap a lot.
In your case, your limit should be 10 tetras OR 10 guppies, and no more...you also have to factor in the real or fake plants and gravel, since it takes up volume too.
Also, if you decide to keep lower than 10, then have at least 3 (tetras or guppies)...anything less will less likely make them school together. Hope this helps:)
2006-07-23 23:26:50 · answer #4 · answered by M 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the fish rule is 1 inch of fish to 1 gallon of water. So in a 10 gallon tank I would say up to 12 if they atre guppy size.
2006-07-24 00:59:33 · answer #5 · answered by purplebutterflyhippie04 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi, first of all you only need to do 1inch of fish per gallon, only do it a little at a time, like buy a couple of tetras and put them in until the tank recycling is done, that takes about a month, if you do more than a couple at a time, you will spike your tank, and kill the fish, take it from me i learned the hard way... i had the neon tetras and they can take alot its a good choice of fish, they live about 1 1/2 - 2 years
2006-07-23 23:24:13 · answer #6 · answered by vondyna 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to go by the size of the fish (or how large they will grow to be) and then go from there. No more than two per gallon of the smaller ones. I'd say 15 neons would be fine. They stay pretty small.
2006-07-23 23:19:34 · answer #7 · answered by pamela_d_99 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Rule of thumb I seem to remember with aquariums is "an inch per gallon." Tetras and guppies are maybe an inch or so in length, so I'd say about 10, maybe a dozen.
2006-07-23 23:20:43 · answer #8 · answered by Broken Head 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
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2006-07-23 23:17:54 · answer #9 · answered by Derrick 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
8 neons max, only b/c of water parameters will be in check and not overstocked.
when stocking guppies go male only, as a single female guppy can overstock a 20 gallon so male only.
2006-07-23 23:40:23 · answer #10 · answered by ballerina_kim 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋