4ft Tank - What is the maximum no. of fishes?

[FND]

Hi all,

I know and acknowledged that this is a subjective topic (read somewhere, there are guideline in number of fish per litre). Since there are no definitive answer to it, I'll like to collect some field experience. Following are fishes in my tank;

1. 50+ Green and Blue neon tetra
2. 2 x Coral red pencil fish
3. 25 x Boraras maculata
4. 19 x Boraras brigittae
5. 8 x Oto

Total number of fishes approx. 104.
Water parameters - PH:6.9-7.1, dH:approx3-6
Water change - 2x a month about 30-40%

What do you think? What is the risk level in term of fish being dead due to whatever reasons?

Thank you in advance for replying.

-FND->

[MrTree]

change water more frequently = can keep more fish

[Metallic Sardine]

I'm no expert, but the 1 inch of fish (or aquatic animal) per gallon of water seems appropriate for most applications. However, if you step up the number of water changes to maybe weekly (max of 25% per change), you would prob be able to break the above rule and still get away with it...

[danny]

I am one of those that is guilty of over-stocking.
I have about 120 corys and another 80 other fishes in my 4x1.5x1.5.
Its running on 1x2028 Eheim and 1x3338 Atman.
With 2x36watts PL DIY and 4x55watt PL from CR.
Co2 on during light hors from 0800-1000 & 1700-0000.
With 4x80mm DIY PC fan
Water change about 20% per month.
Temp about 25.5 to 28.
I don't bother with the other parameters.

So you can fit in more fish.

[mordrake]

danny, very nice 4feet

how long it took for your 4ft to establish?

[danny]

It was started on 20030714. The date on the pic shows the progress of the tank. I want to take a pic about once every month to keep track of the progress and the changes I made.

[joe]

Wah danny, with your bioload, the fish all ok from a monthly water change???

[kingpin]

Hi FND,

If your tank is established, the bioload should be fine.
My 5ft tank is more than a year old, but I have close to 300 fishes in it. Water change is once every 3 weeks. IME, healthy plants=healthy fishes.