Tank sizing and the inch per gallon rule

I have a 10 gallon tank but have about 9 gallons of water and I have heard about the 1 gallon per 1" of fish so would I be able to have 9 or 10 inches of fish

 

I have a 10 gallon tank but have about 9 gallons of water and I have heard about the 1 gallon per 1" of fish so would I be able to have 9 or 10 inches of fish

That rule is truly pointless as some fish even smaller need more room as they are more active. What fish are you thinking?

 

^ yup... and 10 gallons really drops your options... but tell us what kind of fish you were thinking of and we shall yay or nay and save you the headache .

 

This is what I have so far do you think some guppies would work

 

I personally love my Cherry Barbs right now. Just set up my 10 g tank too. I'm hoping to get some guppies soon.

 

If you get guppies get all males. Females often come pregnant. And can stay pregnant for up to 6 months giving birth every month. So you will soon be overran with guppies if you have females.

 

also I have heard that tetras can be fin nippers, but lemon tetras are more peaceful is that true? would lemon tetras live well with guppies?

 

lemon tetras are supposed to be the least likely to nip in the tetra species from what Ive understand... Of course there are exceptions, a proper school should be kept, space might be an issue, and of course water quality is always a concern.

 

That rule is truly pointless as some fish even smaller need more room as they are more active. What fish are you thinking?

would guppies need more or less space compared to their size?

 

would guppies need more or less space compared to their size?

Depends on who you ask. Imo a 10 gallon tank would be suitable for a group of 3-4 guppies as long as they were all male. You don't want babies in a tank that small.

 

Unless you're looking at Embers, you can forget Tetras. They need at least a 20gal. And yes, a small group of Guppies would be ok in a 10gal - just. Maximum 4 i'd say.

 

That 1" per gallon rule is more of a guideline than a rule. YOu have to consider the fact that for every one fish you want to get, they have a minimum starter volume; then you can use the 1"/gal guide to begin stocking more fish. Beware that it is just general and you have to look at every fish specifically.

Guppies and Endler Guppies are fine in a 10 gallon tank. You can keep 10 if your tank is properly filtered. Other fish like a Betta, pygmy cories, rasboras and some small minnows are fine. I don't know much fish suitable for 10gal, sorry...