When does a tank become overstocked? The rule says 1 inch of fish per gallon but exactly who and what does this rule apply to?
There is a commercial trout hatchery not far from where I live. These trout are raised in such crowded conditions that they surely must be very stressed and uncomfortable. They are sorted by size and kept almost shoulder to shoulder (as if trout had shoulders), in huge concrete vats. They are fed copiously and grow quickly. The reason the trout don't poison themselves in their own waste has nothing to do with filtration. It has to do with the fact that their water is continually being replaced with fresh clean water.
One of the quirks we have as humans is that we tend to equate the comfort and needs of other species in human terms and understanding. Our fish want an attractive environment with lots space because if we were fish, that's what we would want. If this were really the case penguins would opt for Park Avenue condos rather than winter in Antarctica.
Another quirk we have is that we want things to be simple and care free. The ideal tank to most is one that requires as little labor as possible, yet is teaming with aquatic life. They want to add water solely to replace evaporation. Changing water becomes a burden and less than necessary because that's why we have filters. The filter hasn't been invented yet that will do away with changing water. If the end result of the N cycle is nitrates, than your filters are also polluting your tank.
At one point I kept 11 adult discus in a 55 gallon tank for several months. This broke every rule in the book. I got alot of criticism on this and other forums for even suggesting it could be done. However my discus didn't know I was breaking the rules. They were happy, healthy, pairing off and spawning. The reason I was able to this was changing water. I changed 50% twice a day. Yes, it was alot of work, but to me it was well worth it.
When is your tank overcrowded? IMO it depends mostly on how much water you're willing to change.
There is a commercial trout hatchery not far from where I live. These trout are raised in such crowded conditions that they surely must be very stressed and uncomfortable. They are sorted by size and kept almost shoulder to shoulder (as if trout had shoulders), in huge concrete vats. They are fed copiously and grow quickly. The reason the trout don't poison themselves in their own waste has nothing to do with filtration. It has to do with the fact that their water is continually being replaced with fresh clean water.
One of the quirks we have as humans is that we tend to equate the comfort and needs of other species in human terms and understanding. Our fish want an attractive environment with lots space because if we were fish, that's what we would want. If this were really the case penguins would opt for Park Avenue condos rather than winter in Antarctica.
Another quirk we have is that we want things to be simple and care free. The ideal tank to most is one that requires as little labor as possible, yet is teaming with aquatic life. They want to add water solely to replace evaporation. Changing water becomes a burden and less than necessary because that's why we have filters. The filter hasn't been invented yet that will do away with changing water. If the end result of the N cycle is nitrates, than your filters are also polluting your tank.
At one point I kept 11 adult discus in a 55 gallon tank for several months. This broke every rule in the book. I got alot of criticism on this and other forums for even suggesting it could be done. However my discus didn't know I was breaking the rules. They were happy, healthy, pairing off and spawning. The reason I was able to this was changing water. I changed 50% twice a day. Yes, it was alot of work, but to me it was well worth it.
When is your tank overcrowded? IMO it depends mostly on how much water you're willing to change.
