55 Gal Stocking List?

Question

My friend gave me a 55 gallon tank 3 months ago and I just set it up 5 weeks ago. It just got done cycling and i'm going to slowly add my fish. This is the fish I want.....

8 - Black Skirt Tetras

8 - Red Minor Tetras

8 - Spotted cory catfish

1 - rubberlip pleco (only gets 5 inches)

Would I be over stocking this tank with the list of fish above?

Answer 1

That sounds fine--not overstocked at all.  Actually, you could probably have a few more fish than that.

The inch per gallon rule is outdated and most experienced fishkeepers ignore it.  The much more important issue is what kind of impact a fish will have on your bioload, and most of the fish you listed are very low waste fish (besides the pleco).

Answer 2

Not overstocked - those should do fine.

You may be able to keep a few more, but a lightly stocked tank is easier to care for.

Ian

Answer 3

No, it should be okay. The common rule with tanks is for every inch of fish, one gallon. I have calculated your fish and it just wind up in the mid 30's range. It sounds good to me, just remember to never crowd your tank. Sometimes that rule is really overblown. For now, it isn't overstocked at all! I hope you get some more fish in the future too! Remember, do not stalk the entire tank at once. You should add about 2-3 fish every week and start out with 4 in the tank. Pick your poison, it doesn't matter which one of the fish you start with. :)

Please email me if you have more questions.

Good luck!

Answer 4

very good stocking. you may be able to add several more once your tank is matured several months with no issues, and the bioload capacity builds up.