How many more fish can i add to my 10 gallon aquarium?

Question

I have 4 neon tetras and 1 beta. Can I safely add anymore? If so, what kinds would you recommend? Experienced fish owners only please.

Answer 1

A better way to determine stocking levels, although not perfect, is to calculate surface area (multiply the length of the tank by the width) and figure that you can have 1 inch of fish per 12 inches of surface area. This rule assumes that you have fairly slender fish - wider bodied fish may need as much as 20 inches of surface area. Also you need to take into account the size that the fish will be as adults - not the size when introduced to your tank. The surface area calculation works better because it takes into account the shape of your tank...

And just to make it a little more complicated ... some fish produce higher levels of waste (plecos for instance produce lots of waste) so these types of fish will obviously need more space and the quality of your filter may also affect stocking levels...

SOOO... My suggestion is take a sample of your water to your local petstore (petsmart and many others test for free) and take the dimensions of your tank and a list of your current fish. They will be able to tell you what your water quality is now and will also be able to tell you about some of the many fish options that you have. For example, bottom dwellers (your cleanup crew catfish) for instance put little demand on your tank, but some mid-level dwelling fish may love to nip your beta's fins. Hope this helps! GOOD LUCK!

Answer 2

The people who always cite the 1" per gallon rule forget to mention that this means 1" of adult length and it varies with species. Your Betta is a whole air breather and a light eater,if you keep the water clean(weekly 10% water changes),he contributes very little to the bio-load of the tank. Your Neons are sort of like this,too. If you want more fish it would be nice to add a few more Neons,(4 to 6). Neons feel more secure in large groups,and should always be in a group of 6 or more. These fish will benefit greatly from good water management practices and help to prepare you for your next aquarium. Good luck,and have fun.Oh yeah, be sure when changing water to siphon the gunk out of the gravel. Do this every week and the fish will stay healthy,and happy. PeeTee

Answer 3

You are only supposed to have 1-2 inches of fish per gallon (my uncle raises and breeds angel fish.) Since you have small fish I'd say you could add 4 more safely. Just make sure the fish you buy get along with the fish you already have (maybe stick with he same kinds) guppies might also get along with the fish you already have.

Good luck!

Answer 4

I have a 10 gallon and I have 10 fish 1 fish per gallon.

Answer 5

I would say your best bet would be to add 1-2 more neon tetras. They should really be in schools of about 6 and thats about all you really have room for.

Answer 6

personally I'd take the betta out maybe add a snail or two, but small snails like Pomacea canaliculata..

Answer 7

evaluate a divider. they are about $10 at puppy shops. you are able to provide the Betta about a million/3 of the tank, and get more suitable Mollies or platys. If the Molly is large agressive, you likely gained't have any success holding the different fish besides.

Answer 8

your supposed to be able to have 1" of fish per gallon of the tank...and I personally wouldnt put any more in there with that beta becuz they can get very very mean.

Answer 9

what i was told is that you want only 1 inch of fish for every gallon of water

Answer 10

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