How Many Fish

[Rbishop]

I've read numerous times in numerous threads that the 1" per gallon rule is not accurate, so can anyone really say what is a decent guideline to go by? I have a 37 gallon tall, and here is what I have in it. No problems at all, and it's been set up about 3-4 months....

5 Long-Finned Blue Danios
4 Tetras (sorry, not sure what kind)
3 Albino Cory Cats
1 Male Betta
6 Assorted Platys
1 Snail (Golden Apple I believe)
1 African Dwarf Frog


Everyone seems happy as can be, and they all get along well enough aside from the usual playful chasing evey now and then. I have no problems with the water, water changes, ph levels, ammonia, nitrites/nitrates, etc... Am I overstocked? Is there a decent guideline to follow, or is it on a tank by tank basis?

I'll let the more experienced people reflect their views on your mix, since I am more into cichlids. Though you may be at the limit or above on bio-load and have some food issues, the tetras usually are a little nippy on others with long fins and the fry may be a good food source for them.

I believe things are more of a tank by tank basis. When we try to generalize down to a thumb rule is where problems arise. Not only does the number of fish, and the adult long term length come into affect, but so do many other issues:

Free swimming space
Aquaspace design for hiding/security
Behavioral changes going into adulthood
Behavioral changes during spawning and fry raising
Eating characteristics and bio-load
Maintenance routine
Live plants
Lighting
Consistancy in temperature and water

I've probably missed an item or two, sorry. But that's what makes these forums great. You can get advice, some conflicting. Just proceed slowly and always observe, acting accordingly.