Freshwater Aquarium Stocking Calculator
Here’s a comprehensive table summarizing the key points you need to know about freshwater aquarium stocking:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| General Guideline | 1 inch of fish per 2 gallons of water (more accurate for smaller fish) |
| Types of Fish | Small community fish like Tetras, Guppies, and Platies; larger species like Cichlids |
| Tank Size | 10 gallons minimum for small fish, larger tanks needed for larger species |
| Other Considerations | Water quality, compatibility of species, and tank density |
| Stocking Method | Add fish slowly, monitor water clarity, wait for cloudiness to clear before adding more2 |
| Fish Levels | Stock fish for top, middle, and bottom levels of the tank4 |
| Top-Level Fish | Hatchetfish, Halfbeaks, some Gouramis, Pencilfish4 |
| Middle-Level Fish | Most Tetras, Barbs, Rainbowfish, Angelfish4 |
| Bottom-Dwelling Fish | Corydoras, Loaches, some Catfish4 |
| Schooling Fish | Ideal for middle level, include most Tetras and some Barbs4 |
| Filtration | Adequate filtration is crucial, especially for heavy stocking2 |
| Maintenance | Regular partial water changes and cleaning required1 |
| Fish Size | Consider adult size of fish when stocking, not just current size1 |
| Stocking Speed | Add maximum of two fish per week to allow ecosystem adjustment3 |
| Research | Always research specific needs and compatibility of chosen fish species3 |
Remember that these are general guidelines and opinions. Each aquarium is unique, and factors like specific fish species, tank setup, and maintenance practices can affect appropriate stocking levels. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and understock rather than overstock your aquarium.