Avoiding Bad Advice

[GodFan]

Ok I would by no means call myself an expert aquarist but Im definetly not a noob either. Lets go with advanced beginner-intermediate lol but main point is that I almost didnt get to enjoy the hobby because we were givin some really bad advice.
I will include some information here to help people avoid bad advice and if you know of anything I missed then please add to the list.

1) Stocking is based on how you care for your tank. You can have as many fish as you want given they are an appropriate size, are not crowded, and are taken care of! General rule is 1 inch of fish for every gallon of water. NOT 1 fish for every gallon (like we were told)

2) Carefully check what size the fish will GROW to! Most fish are not adults when they are sold. Many pet stores wont tell you this. For example. We had a 10 gallon tank. The clerk at the store was willing to sell us a bala shark (2-3 inches at that time) She failed to mention however that it would grow to over a foot long!

3) Just because your tank has been sitting for a week doesnt mean it is safe to add all the fish you want. You could probably add a few but it is best to first either let the tank cycle, add a bacteria (seachem stability), or get bacteria from a trusted tank (filter cartridge)

4) Make sure the fish are compatable. This means ensure that they will not kill/eat each other but it also means make sure they enjoy the same water parameters such as ph and temperature and in some cases same tank size and shape. Also make sure 1 fish wont be completely outcompeted for food by all the other fish.

5) DO NOT USE SOAP TO CLEAN YOUR TANK!!!!!! Rinse with water only! If it goes in the tank it should be rinsed but only with water!

6) If treating your tank remove carbon from the filter as it absorbs the medication. (Pet store forgot to mention this to.

7) Make sure you feed the right food.

8) BETTAS DO NOT LIKE TINY UNHEATED BOWLS! A betta needs to be in a TANK with a heater and filter.

That is all I can think of at the moment but these are things to remember if you are just starting out! God Bless and happy Fishkeeping!

 

[LyndaB]

1) Stocking is based on how you care for your tank. You can have as many fish as you want given they are an appropriate size, are not crowded, and are taken care of! General rule is 1 inch of fish for every gallon of water. NOT 1 fish for every gallon (like we were told)

3) Just because your tank has been sitting for a week doesnt mean it is safe to add all the fish you want. You could probably add a few but it is best to first either let the tank cycle, add a bacteria (seachem stability), or get bacteria from a trusted tank (filter cartridge)

Um..... hmmmmmmmmm..... The 1 inch of fish per gallon rule is not a healthy guideline by any measure. Some fish require more room just because they like to zoom around, i.e., my kuhli loaches. Yes, they can fit into a 10 gallon, but that doesn't mean they should be in a 10 gallon. Likewise, a Jack Dempsey can't be a sole species in a 10 gallon tank. Even a medium size goldfish requires 20 gallons due to its bioload.

In my very humble opinion, you should eliminate this language. It will only confuse newbies.

As for my second highlight, my understanding is that Tetra Safe Start is the single bacterial supplement people have had any luck with at all. Again, I don't use this type of thing. I don't believe in bacteria in a bottle. So, I can only offer my opinion based on hearsay, which would not be admissible in a court of law.

 

[GodFan]

Um..... hmmmmmmmmm..... The 1 inch of fish per gallon rule is not a healthy guideline by any measure. Some fish require more room just because they like to zoom around, i.e., my kuhli loaches. Yes, they can fit into a 10 gallon, but that doesn't mean they should be in a 10 gallon. Likewise, a Jack Dempsey can't be a sole species in a 10 gallon tank. Even a medium size goldfish requires 20 gallons due to its bioload.

In my very humble opinion, you should eliminate this language. It will only confuse newbies.

As for my second highlight, my understanding is that Tetra Safe Start is the single bacterial supplement people have had any luck with at all. Again, I don't use this type of thing. I don't believe in bacteria in a bottle. So, I can only offer my opinion based on hearsay, which would not be admissible in a court of law.

thanks for the input! I should have clarified about that. I used Seachem Stability and it appeared to work but appeared is the key word lol I think I have some of the tetra stuff as a sample. Maybe we will try that in my bros tank lol

 

[eco23]

I generally agree with most of the points...but I think there's definitely some details and clarification which would help.

1)You've got the right idea. IMO it comes down to being able to control nitrAtes (if they don't climb above 20 in a week between water changes), swim room (fish that inhabit different levels of the tank help with this), commitment to pwc's and general cleanliness of the tank, and common sense. If the tank looks full, it is...in fact it's probably overstocked.

2)Agreed. You've gotta think long term.

3)Decide between doing a fish in, or fishless cycle. Research, weigh the pros and cons, and make an intelligent decision.

IMO, just say no to Stability. Type "Stability" into the search bar here, and you'll see plenty of discussion on the topic. It's not worth getting into here. If you're convinced you need an additive, I agree with Lynda...use Tetra SafeStart or Dr. Tims One & Only (they actually contain the correct type of nitrifying bacteria).

4)Yep, compatibility is key and it takes lots of research. Don't judge just based on what you like the look of.

5) Soap + fish tank = bad

6) Agreed. Carbon will absorb meds. Make sure you pop it back in after treatment to remove the residuals though (along with water changes)

7) Agreed. Use a quality food based on what your fish require.

8) Agree. Bettas should be in a minimum of a 5 gallon, heated, filtered aquarium.

 

[jetajockey]

Addressing #1, I do tank stocking primarily on how the tank would look visually. I imagine what it'd look like with certain stocking levels and if it looks too busy or too crowded then I know it's too much. I rarely ever go by any other kind of rule.

The bacteria thing is a can of worms in itself. There's a lot of conjecture back and forth, so it's always good to do plenty of research and if you do end up using one, err on the side of caution.


I don't have an ethical issue keeping a betta in an unheated tank. Then again, I would only keep one in a display area, like a living area, so the ambient temperature is going to be warm anyway.

As far as tank size goes, I don't really like setting a rigid size unless someone asks, but I just like knowing the fish has room to comfortably swim around.

Filtration of some sort is definitely important.

 

[GodFan]

I don't have an ethical issue keeping a betta in an unheated tank. Then again, I would only keep one in a display area, like a living area, so the ambient temperature is going to be warm anyway.

As far as tank size goes, I don't really like setting a rigid size unless someone asks, but I just like knowing the fish has room to comfortably swim around.

Filtration of some sort is definitely important.

Agreed as long as it stays warm ENOUGH. And a half gallon bowl isd mean. I used to keep them like that then dropped one in a 20 gal filtered heated tank and it was like a different fish. Much happier.

 

[maxwellag]

Ok I would by no means call myself an expert aquarist but Im definetly not a noob either. Lets go with advanced beginner-intermediate lol but main point is that I almost didnt get to enjoy the hobby because we were givin some really bad advice.
I will include some information here to help people avoid bad advice and if you know of anything I missed then please add to the list.

1) Stocking is based on how you care for your tank. You can have as many fish as you want given they are an appropriate size, are not crowded, and are taken care of! General rule is 1 inch of fish for every gallon of water. NOT 1 fish for every gallon (like we were told)

2) Carefully check what size the fish will GROW to! Most fish are not adults when they are sold. Many pet stores wont tell you this. For example. We had a 10 gallon tank. The clerk at the store was willing to sell us a bala shark (2-3 inches at that time) She failed to mention however that it would grow to over a foot long!

3) Just because your tank has been sitting for a week doesnt mean it is safe to add all the fish you want. You could probably add a few but it is best to first either let the tank cycle, add a bacteria (seachem stability), or get bacteria from a trusted tank (filter cartridge)

4) Make sure the fish are compatable. This means ensure that they will not kill/eat each other but it also means make sure they enjoy the same water parameters such as ph and temperature and in some cases same tank size and shape. Also make sure 1 fish wont be completely outcompeted for food by all the other fish.

5) DO NOT USE SOAP TO CLEAN YOUR TANK!!!!!! Rinse with water only! If it goes in the tank it should be rinsed but only with water!

6) If treating your tank remove carbon from the filter as it absorbs the medication. (Pet store forgot to mention this to.

7) Make sure you feed the right food.

8) BETTAS DO NOT LIKE TINY UNHEATED BOWLS! A betta needs to be in a TANK with a heater and filter.

That is all I can think of at the moment but these are things to remember if you are just starting out! God Bless and happy Fishkeeping!

I agree with the other people, the stocking idea is what petsmart and petco tell you... which is, in my opinion, bad advice.

 

[Jlsardina]

I have heard number one a little differently. Lol. I always go by- 1 gallon per inch of the full-grown size of the fish. Not at the juvenile state. Of course there's always an exception to the rule- the fish that require more roaming space or are (for lack of a better word right now) dirtier than others and create a bigger bio load. Not saying it's entirely true. This is just how I was told

 

[BillD]

The 1" per gallon rule still has problems even if you use the adult size. A 10" Oscar will still not fit a 10 gallon tank. The rule was probably originally coined for guppies and such, and would never work for most fish that grow larger. However, lets consider the following. Is a group of 80 juvenile guppy males too much for a 10 gal? This is the size of tank and number of fish a noted guppy expert/breeder uses to grow out his males, and these fish sell for $20 or more each.

 

[bruinsbro1997]

I'm just going to say this...
Inch per gallon rule=

 

[LyndaB]

However, it does surprise me how often it comes up in conversation with new fishkeepers. I would've thought that "advice" would've died a horrible death long ago.

 

[5x5]

It's certainly true that LFS's give plenty of bad advice. In the earliest stages of fishkeeping, I fell victim to it. Now, I have my fish cabinet stocked with "Ammo Locks", Tetra Fish Food, Seachem Stability and other products that are just going to sit and rot.

I rarely will take advice at a LFS, especially when I can research in advance on the Internet. However, in the event I see something new and I'm interested on the spot, I'll typically talk to the employee selling it for awhile and get a feel for his/her overall knowledge. Once they make a statement that I consider downright wrong (especially if they say it with conviction and without hesistation), they lose all credibilty and I go home and research.

 

[GodFan]

Sorry I dont think I clarified well on that 1 inch rule. That is 1 inch of ADULT fish and it is a very very very general rule. I would not put a red tailed shark in a ten gallon (6 inches) but LFS when I was a beginner told us too.

 

[maxwellag]

Sorry I dont think I clarified well on that 1 inch rule. That is 1 inch of ADULT fish and it is a very very very general rule. I would not put a red tailed shark in a ten gallon (6 inches) but LFS when I was a beginner told us too.

It doesn't make that rule correct either way. You must take into account aggression, maximum size, filtration capacity, swimming room, temperature requirements, and make sure that if there is a larger fish in the tank that may eat other fish, you don't put and fish in with it that are small enough to get eaten.
By temperature requirements I mean that you have to make sure that all the fish in the tank can be happy at the same temperature. For example, most goldfish prefer cooler water, but a lot of fish like warmer water. So you have to remember that you can only have the water at one temperature at a time, and make sure the fish are happy.

 

[absolutangel04]

Sorry I dont think I clarified well on that 1 inch rule. That is 1 inch of ADULT fish and it is a very very very general rule. I would not put a red tailed shark in a ten gallon (6 inches) but LFS when I was a beginner told us too.

I understand what you are saying. There have been many heated debates on here about that guideline, so many people already have strong opinions about it. I personally agree that it is fine as general guideline for tanks over 10 gallons and fish under 4 inches (not to be used with cichlids ever) as long as common sense and research still determine the final result. But, many people here do not want the rule used at all because it gives newbies the wrong idea.
I cannot believe that somebody actually told you 1 fish per gallon of water was ok. Wow.

 

[GodFan]

I understand what you are saying. There have been many heated debates on here about that guideline, so many people already have strong opinions about it. I personally agree that it is fine as general guideline for tanks over 10 gallons and fish under 4 inches (not to be used with cichlids ever) as long as common sense and research still determine the final result. But, many people here do not want the rule used at all because it gives newbies the wrong idea.
I cannot believe that somebody actually told you 1 fish per gallon of water was ok. Wow.

I agree. There are more factors. This ius just to give a base and it doesnt apply at all under certain circumstances. Yea and they said 1 fish per gallon and then sold us 10 fish in one day for an uncycled tank. AND 1 of the fish was a red tailed shark!

 

[maxwellag]

But... this rule is not true at all in many cases. If I had a ten gallon and put two peppered cory catfish in, they get to four inches each, then if u went by that rule then it would be 8 tenths full. See how it doesn't work?

 

[absolutangel04]

But... this rule is not true at all in many cases. If I had a ten gallon and put two peppered cory catfish in, they get to four inches each, then if u went by that rule then it would be 8 tenths full. See how it doesn't work?

Dead horse right now. The OP KNOWS it isn's always true. Thats why he said "very very very general" and "there are more factors." By defintion, that means it has a ton of exceptions. Its good that you are concerned about making sure people have the right information. This is definitely a hobby with a lot of misinformation floating around out there. But, I think your point has been made here. Jeta gave some excellent advise for an alternative to that guideline, and Bill also pointed out its flaws very well.

 

[absolutangel04]

I agree. There are more factors. This ius just to give a base and it doesnt apply at all under certain circumstances. Yea and they said 1 fish per gallon and then sold us 10 fish in one day for an uncycled tank. AND 1 of the fish was a red tailed shark!

Double wow! One wow for the 1 fish per gallon (again) and another wow for one of those being a rts.

 

[New]

I would guess that the inch Per gallon rule was made for fish that max 1 in like neons. I would have to say the best thing to do when stocking a tank is research research research