| Yep, total dimensions of the tank, and what type of fish you want, and how it will be filtered . All these questions will make a big difference in your stocking levels. the "rule of thumb" that most of us go by is 1" of ADULT fish per 5 gallons of saltwater. In the Freshwater side of the hobby it's 1" of asult fish per 1 gallon, but marine fish require more room, and better water quality, so the 1/5 rule is usually more appropriate. Now, that doesn't mean you should go out & get a 36" shark for a 180, because you don't want any fish that it's adult length will exceed the width (front/back). Too crowded. You might be able to house a family of 4 in a 1 room apartment, but no one's gonna be happy, nor will they thrive in that environment, and there's likely to be quite a bit of aggression as everyone encroaches on the other's "space". Similar sort of thing with fish. Many are very territorial, and will defend their space very vigoriously, often to the death. Less NOT more! |