Tropical Fish Stocking Calculator

Enter Tank Volume (in gallons):

Here’s a comprehensive table summarizing key information about tropical fish stocking:

Category	Details
General Rule	1 inch of fish per gallon of water (for small fish)
Tank Size	Minimum 10 gallons; larger tanks are more stable
Fish Types	Small (e.g., Tetras, Guppies), Medium (e.g., Angelfish), Large (e.g., Cichlids)
Stocking Density	Small fish: 1-2 per gallon; Medium: 1 per 5 gallons; Large: 1 per 10+ gallons
Water Parameters	Temperature: 75-80°F (24-27°C); pH: 6.8-7.8; Ammonia: 0 ppm; Nitrite: 0 ppm; Nitrate: <20 ppm
Filtration	Capacity should turn over tank volume 4-6 times per hour
Water Changes	10-25% weekly, depending on bioload
Cycling	Allow 4-6 weeks for new tank cycling before adding fish
Adding Fish	Introduce slowly, 2-3 fish per week
Quarantine	Quarantine new fish for 2-4 weeks before adding to main tank
Compatibility	Research species compatibility before mixing
Feeding	2-3 times daily, only what fish can consume in 2-3 minutes
Plant Load	Live plants can help maintain water quality and increase stocking capacity
Tank Levels	Stock fish for all levels: top, middle, and bottom
Schooling Fish	Keep in groups of 6 or more for social species
Territory	Provide adequate space and hiding spots for territorial species
Maintenance	Regular cleaning, water testing, and equipment checks
Common Mistakes	Overstocking, inadequate filtration, incompatible species
Special Considerations	Some fish (e.g., Bettas, Gouramis) require specific care
Expert Advice	Consult local fish stores or experienced aquarists for specific setups

Remember that while this table provides general guidelines, each aquarium is unique. Factors such as specific fish species, individual tank setups, and maintenance practices can significantly affect appropriate stocking levels. It’s always best to research the specific needs of your chosen fish species and err on the side of understocking rather than overstocking your aquarium.

Tropical fish stocking refers to the process of selecting and adding fish to a tropical aquarium. When stocking a tropical aquarium, there are many different types and species of fish to consider. Here are some key points about tropical fish stocking:

Popular Tropical Fish Species

Some of the most popular and commonly kept tropical fish species include:

Tetras (e.g. Neon Tetras, Cardinal Tetras, Ember Tetras)
Rasboras (e.g. Harlequin Rasboras, Chili Rasboras)
Danios (e.g. Zebra Danios, Celestial Pearl Danios)
Barbs (e.g. Cherry Barbs, Tiger Barbs)
Gouramis (e.g. Dwarf Gouramis, Pearl Gouramis)
Angelfish
Corydoras Catfish
Plecostomus Catfish
Mollies
Platies
Swordtails
Guppies
Bettas

Considerations for Stocking

When stocking a tropical aquarium, it’s important to consider:

Tank size and capacity
Fish compatibility
Adult size of fish species
Schooling/shoaling requirements
Water parameter preferences
Temperament and behavior
Feeding requirements

Community Fish

Many tropical fish are considered good “community fish” that can coexist peacefully in a mixed species tank. Some examples include:

Tetras
Rasboras
Corydoras Catfish
Peaceful Barbs (e.g. Cherry Barbs)
Livebearers (Guppies, Mollies, Platies)
Dwarf Gouramis

Centerpiece Fish

Larger, more eye-catching species are often added as “centerpiece fish” in a community tank:

Angelfish
Discus
Larger Gouramis
Rainbowfish
Pearl Gouramis

Bottom Dwellers

It’s good to include some bottom-dwelling species:

Corydoras Catfish
Bristlenose Plecos
Kuhli Loaches
Otocinclus Catfish

Schooling Fish

Many tropical fish are schooling species that should be kept in groups:

Tetras (6+ individuals)
Rasboras (6+ individuals)
Danios (6+ individuals)
Barbs (5-6+ individuals)
Corydoras Catfish (4-6+ individuals)

Specialized Setups

Some tropical fish require more specialized setups:

Cichlids (e.g. African Cichlids, South American Cichlids)
Discus
Freshwater Puffers
Killifish

When stocking a tropical aquarium, it’s crucial to research each species’ specific needs and compatibility to create a thriving, balanced ecosystem. Proper stocking helps ensure the health and wellbeing of all fish in the aquarium.