New nano question

[MCon]

I've seen many mentions of "How many inches of fish per gallon" and wanted to ask how inveribrates fit into the picture. In a reef tank are you more limited in the number of fish due to the oxygen demands of other inhabitants?
Tank in question is 15 gallon tall style, just 20 lbs of live sand and one chunk of live rock presently.

 

[fsn77]

In short, no. Limitations on fish numbers has more to do with maintaining very high water quality. Poor water quality can be deadly to many invertebrates and corals. By having few fish (relative to the heavier stocking of most FOWLR and fw tanks), it is much easier to sustain the higher water quality needs of the life typically found in a reef tank.

I should be a bit more specific when I say high water quality... Elevated nutrient levels (nitrates, phosphates) can have negative effects on invertebrates.

 

[Grins]

Everything I've read said that YES, you stock less fish per gallon in a SW tank. Especially in a tall versus long because of the gas exchange. Of course you still need to factor other things in. For instance, if you feel you can house 8" of fish that doesn't mean you can put one large 8" fish in a tank.

 

[Subliminal]

I think the main thing with fish is the mess. More fish equals more food equals more poop equals dirtier water.

I stocked quite a few fish in my 55g, but when I downsized to a 29g, I went with 2 chromies, 2 clowns, and a hawk. More money/room for coral, that way, and less worries about water quality issues and fish stress.