Rule of Thumb

[Reeftanks6]

What is the Rule of Thumb for how many fish can fit in a saltwater tank. I have read that it should be an inch of fish per gallon. But didnt know how true that is. Liveaquaria says 1 inch of fish per gallon. Do you guys agree with this or no?

[snorvich]

There is no rule of thumb for saltwater.

[Reeftanks6]

Ok, I guess thats because you can have a tank of all small fish and all big fishr right?

[IFbettas]

Ok, I guess thats because you can have a tank of all small fish and all big fishr right?

Size isn't the only thing that matters, because most saltwater fish are territorial and need enough space to meet their needs. Also, five 2 inch fish does not equal the same bioload as one 10 inch fish. A 10 inch tang will put out more waste than 5 firefish.

[Reeftanks6]

Right, Yeah so I guess it is nearly impossible to judge the rule of thumb. Thanks guys.

[velvetelvis]

Best bet is to look at the fish's behavior and, as mentioned, territorial needs, as well as its adult size. A 6" scorpionfish that spends most of the day nearly motionless, waiting for prey to ambush, doesn't need nearly as much tank space as a 6" tang or angelfish that roams constantly in search of food.