Why can you only have 1 fish per every 20 gallons of water?

Question

My friend had 5 fish in her 20 gallon tank 2 were gold fish 2 were tropical fish and 1 was a algae eater. They all lived up until 7 to 10 years of age and got along great! Right now I have 2 goldfish and whenever I try to put a algae eater in with them they kill him otherwise they seem to be healthy and I have had them for about 4 months. Also people have told me goldfish will eat algae, not mine the tank keeps getting greener even if I clean it once a month and keep the water the way it should be. Also do you recommend getting a chemical that will not harm fish but kill the algae? I am kind of new to this any advice would be appreciated.

Answer 1

It's actually, 1 inch of fish per gallon. For example, let's say you have a 2 inch goldfish, it should be in a 2 gallon tank or bowl. Or, if you have 2 fish, at 2 inches each, put them in a 5 gallon tank, and you'll have a little extra for growth, or perhaps a snail, which is what I use for algae, and it keeps the tank very clean. Just make sure, when algae is scarce, that you feed it every few days. I use algae wafers, but they like citrus, and zuccini, too. There are chemicals you can use for minimizing algae blooms, but I've never needed it. I believe Mardel, and Kordon make a good one.

Answer 2

Goldfish produce massive amounts of waste that's why they need more gallons than some fish. You should have no less than 15 gallons per goldfish. One thing that likely caused your algae eater's death would be the ammonia levels. You should be doing partial water changes weekly and vacuuming the gravel. To cut back on algae growth keep the light cut off unless you are looking at the fish. Keep the tank away from windows and sunlight. No chemicals will remove the algae without harming your fish.

Answer 3

There's already some problems with your friends tank I spotted already. One thing to keep in mind here is that goldfish are coldwater fish and tropicals are warm water, so already there are compatibility issues. Some tropicals like white clouds can tolerate these conditions, however, it's not advisable to keep goldfish with tropicals. This is a case where you will see an exception to things, but all in all, you really shouldn't house them like that.

What you are seeing with this 20 gallon issue is just like what Luvin is saying. The waste goldfish typically produce is far in excess to fish like zebra danios, or neon tetras ect.. so they need more water space. In so far as algea eaters go, the most common fish sold for that is actually called a pleco, which is also actually a catfish, in the armored catfish family, and they also typically, though not all of them do, grow to be about a good 24 inches in length, so housing them is challenging. For the most part, you don't need this if you maintain your tank properly.

Cleaning your tank once a month is a problem. An older cycled out established tank requires at least weekly changes to remove nitrates that build up. You really want to be changing out your water at least once a week and depending on what you are housing in the tank, you may need to do it more then once a week. That should keep your fish living longer, growing better, and fix your algea problems. Nitrate is a key component algea thrives on in addition to phosphates and sunlight. All of these you can control with good water changes and watching your lighting. If you need further help, email me anytime.

JV

Answer 4

the single inch consistent with gallon is basically meant to assist beginners. And it doesnt even do this properly. Any fish that grows over one inch, the rule of thumb gets thrown out the window. heavily, if its a rule, it is going to stick to to each thing. in spite of the undeniable fact that it doesnt. You cant placed a ten inch Oscar in a ten gallon tank. Or a 36 inch Arowana in a 36 gallon tank. there's no rule for fish stocking. you will desire to learn each and every guy or woman fish you like. you will desire to provide each and every physique suitable room. some fish require extra area than others because of the fact they are territorial. whilst some require extra because of the fact they are basically messy. and a few opt to swim. It relies upon.

Answer 5

Goldfish and Algea Eaters do not mix! It is one comet goldfish for every 20 gallons or 3 gallons per 1 inch fish! As for your Algea problem get bamboo plants but make sure the leaves are not underwater. Your goldfish can't get the plant and you get extra oxygen and alegea relief.
Your firend shoud'nt of mixed goldfish and tropical fish anyways. Goldfish are coldwater fish.
You should do a 25% water change every week.
Algea Killers are not recomended they can really harm your fish get a plant instead and you'll never have an algea problem.

Answer 6

there are lots of theories to keeping fish. A good rule of thumb is that your fish, when lined up nose to tail, should have about the same combined length as the front of your fish tank.

To get rid of algae, i reccomend a plecostemous, although they will grow very big if you have a big tank, up to almost 2 feet long! That means if your tank is big, you should buy a couple plecos, then give them away when they become too big for all of them. You can also buy specially designed scrubber pads to clean the tank by hand

also, it depends on the types of fish. some are more naturally aggressive.

Answer 7

i heard 1 fish for every 3 gallons