how many neons can I add

[onepawnup]

I would like to increase my school of neons but how many ?
heres my stats
55 gal ( i hope i dont miss anyone)

9 tiger barbs
6 neons
3 opaline guarami
2 paradise guarami
1 gold guarami
2 upside down catfish
6-7 otto cats(they mostly hide )

oh well let me know what you think

 

[nerdyguy83]

Going by the inches per gallon rule and estimating based on the species you listed, you are about full. But since I think that rule is completely bogus, I'd say you could almost double your school and be ok. With a tank that size, it would take a good bit to throw things way out of whack, and neons aren't going to do that I don't think. Just add them 2 at a time over a few weeks, and pay close attention to your levels. If things get hairy, stop adding fish.

*Edit: I've also heard that odd-numbered schools look better, so maybe stop at 9 or 11?

 

[twig]

Yeah that inch per gallon rule is bs ... >.>

I don't think adding a few more neons will be too much of a trouble just go slowly.. you do have to remember that more fish == more work but if you do WEEKLY water changes you should be ok...

 

[Roan Art]

. . .
*Edit: I've also heard that odd-numbered schools look better, so maybe stop at 9 or 11?

I don't know if any one else has noticed this, but from my observations of various schooling fishes there is always that one rebel that goes off on its own and doesn't hang much with his peers. Most of them seem to pair off, occasionally making a couple of groups of three, but there's always that one that likes to be alone most of the time.

Anyhow, that's why I try to do odd numbers in schools; so that if there is a rebel in the group one of the others isn't forced to be alone as well.

Just a thought,

Roan