My aquarist rant

Not to mention over optimistic tank size designations. I have a "20 long" but measuring inside dimensions gives only about 17 gallons, 16.5 after gravel is figured in. Not all tanks are as far off as this one but none I've heard are bigger than stated.

So far of the ones I've personally measured only the 40 breeder is actually that size to start with.
 
Stocking-

I think we get more posts on this subject than any other; with the possible exception of, "Why are my fish dying?"

Stocking has also been the basis for more argument threads than just about anything else. It's very subjective and has many variables. The thread title, "Am I overstocked?" is ubiquitous on just about all fish forums. Water volume, filtration, fish size and number, presence of live plants and plant density and maintenance regimen all combine to determine a reasonable stocking density for a given tank. ..."reasonable"...hmmmm...according to whom? Now we add another variable; opinion. Each of us has a different idea of what reasonable stocking density in a given set-up is.

Also, the internet gives us a large number of aquarium websites to ask the question. So some will keep asking the question until they get the answer they want. Since those folks are going to do what they've already made up their mind to do, this is not for them. For the rest of us...

More to follow-

Mark
 
My personal opinion on stocking is like saying Honesty is the Best Policy. Everyone knows that. Understocking is the best policy. We all know that, and of course, we all know that understocking is the safe way to go, but as previously stated, each tank is different, so going by the inch per gallon rule does not make a whole lot of sense. Going by the less than an inch to gallon makes more sense. Bottom line to me is that as long as your water parameters are staying good, then you are ok. That may take more water changes for some folks who are slightly overstocked, but that is ok if you keep up with it. How do you sell that to people new to the hobby? Difficult. If they really care, then they will ask and learn. If they do not really care, fish will die, but it has been my experience that people who do not really care, or have a deep interest in fish keeping, will pretty quickly give it up after a few failures.
 
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I don't think any tank holds what it is rated as...they are all nominal sizes, just as most lumber is and even pipe sizes. Not only is aquatic pet keeping not an exact science, neither is tank manufacturing.
 
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The one thing, which again is very based on opinion (to a degree) and experience about stocking is not how much, but which tank mates. Usually when someone asks about "Will this work" it is more about the mix of fish and not so much the amount. That is, IMO, a very valid question and in a lot of cases has nothing to do with overstocking.
 
^agreed. I've seen some gnarly tanks because of "stocking rules". My buddy was a pacu fanatic and slowly added community fish and crayfish into the 90-100g tank I got him from. One day there was a massive hubbub and the pacu broke the glass lids thrashing about. The crays? Well....
 
Could you elaborate a little? I don't know enough about pacu / crayfish combination to clearly imagine the problem ...
 
Duckie said:
The one thing, which again is very based on opinion (to a degree) and experience about stocking is not how much, but which tank mates. Usually when someone asks about "Will this work" it is more about the mix of fish and not so much the amount. That is, IMO, a very valid question and in a lot of cases has nothing to do with overstocking.
Click to expand...

I wasn't commenting on the validity of any question, aside from those who want someone to agree with them regardless of their stocking. Also, there is a big difference between "Am I overstocked?" and "Will this work?". "Will this work?" will also be addressed.

Mark
 
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Okay, rant away then. We will have to know what to discuss based on what and how you are ranting. :)
 
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