Fish in a tank?

Question

How many 3 inch sized fish can be kept in a 16 gallon tank?

Thanks! Oy, by the way, 3 inches is the fish's maxium size.

Answer 1

That would depend on the fish and how long you planned to house it in the tank.

Guppies, go for 20-25

Oscars, well one perhaps 2 (if you plan on moving them.) It really depends on the fish. Goldfish 2-3 will be fine for about 1-1/2 years then they need moved. Every fish is different and has different requirements. you can put in a few tetras, or barbs and guppies mixed with a few others. Some fish require higher water amounts than others. Let me know what you are thinking and I'll tell you what I think.

Answer 2

To determine stocking levels you need at least 12 inches of surface level for each inch of fish (figure the size that the fish will grow to as adults). To calculate surface area multiply the length of the tank by the width, divide this number by 12 and this is the number of inches of fish that you can have.

And... this assumes that you have long slender fish. Wider fish require more surface area. Also some fish produce more waste than others and can require as much as 20 inches of surface area per inch.

So... I suggest get your tank established (there is a nitrogen cycle that must be completed) - until your tank is stabilized you may lose lots of fish. Read LOTS, ask questions ( especially on the nitrogen cycle) I have included some links... I suggest you read fish-keeping ABC's on the first site and go to the library on the second.

ALSO- I know that some will say 1 inch per gallon, but this calculation does not take into account the shape of the tank.

http://badmanstropicalfish.com
http://www.thetropicaltank.co.uk

BEST WISHES

Answer 3

Depends on the fish. Goldfish, 2 would be ok but you may need a larger tank eventually. Other fish, for the most part, no more than 4. There is a general rule of thumb for freshwater fish that tells you one inch of fish per gallon of water, but this really only applies to the 1-2 inch fish. The larger fish need more space.

Without knowing what kind of fish you are wanting to keep, its really hard to answer your question.

Good Luck

Answer 4

You can put as many fish as you want into a tank, but you don't want to crowd the fish. I would recommend a total of 6 3 inch sized fish in a fresh water tank. Any more than that and they would be crowded. It also depends on the type of fish you are stocking. Are they group fish? Take into account any plants or rocks you want in the tank also. Good luck with your fish!

Answer 5

It depends A LOT on the species of fish. Stocking is a lot more than calculating "inches per gallon"...you have to consider each individual species' needs, behavior, and compatibility with other fish. Also, you need to know the ADULT size and behavior of the fish you are buying...not the size it is RIGHT NOW!

Research is always key BEFORE adding any species of fish to your tank.

Answer 6

you can only keep 1 in there. Although 3 inches is not big, the fish will grow bigger eventualy requiring much larger tank space. Im assuming you have some kind of cichlid or other growing fish, if not and all you have is a guppy or betta then 16 should be fine

Answer 7

If you want to see fish kill each other put 8, but if you like fish then i'd put no more than 2 for week one then ease in 2 more, and then finally 2 more. never put in one single fish, or the others will single it out. also keep an even number of fish in ur tank. trust me...

[e-mail] email me if u have questions.

Answer 8

try four but depends what kind not exactly the size

Answer 9

look at this website for help. it helped me in time of need
http://fins.actwin.com/