Opinions: Fish Size And Tank Size

Another good point... I am slowly trying to get to a position with all fish from South America and fewer different species in my 220 litre but tripped up the other week with the addition of the rocket panchax.  It's similar to the old debate about there being two kind if fishkeepers, those who have large numbers of a few species and those with low numbers of a large number of species. I know where I want to be, but temptation of a new fish got the better of me. (plus Mrs Matt wanted them... that's a whole other angle to the debate).

I do agree that beginners would get on far better with lightly stocked tanks. I've seen the impact of high stocking densities and whilst definately doable for experience dedicated fishkeepers, beginners should I feel stick to 75% stocked as a maximum to help ensure success. Im on 65% ish in mine currently. They look full of fish too... I drew to think what nearly doubling the number of fish would look like!

The article does suggest we may need to revise the maximum size of fish for your tank size measure on the community creator. In a 60cm tank it suggest a maximum fish size of 10cm.  Perhaps we should drop this to say 6cm?