Overcrowding a tank is a quick way to kill fish. How many fish can comfortably live in a 50-gallon aquarium depends on the fish species, the type of aquarium and the size of the tank surface area.
Misconception
Many people believe that one inch of fish can fit in one gallon of water, so that 50 one-inch fish could fit in a 50-gallon aquarium. This calculation does not work for brackish water or salt water aquariums, or tall, narrow aquariums.
Size
Many fish grow more than one inch across. Always use the size of the adult fish when making calculations about how many fish can fit in a particular tank. Some aggressive species, like the oscar or velvet cichlid, need 55 gallons for just one adult.
Considerations
Gravel, plants and decorations take up space in an aquarium, leaving less room for the fish and less oxygen content in the water. Only add one or two fish at a time to a tank for a multi-species tank. If the fish start dying, stop adding fish.
References
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Writer Bio
Rena Sherwood is a writer and Peter Gabriel fan who has lived in America and England. She has studied animals most of her life through direct observation and maintaining a personal library about pets. She has earned an associate degree in liberal arts from Delaware County Community College and a bachelor's degree in English from Millersville University.
