hw many fish?

how many fish is to many for a 55g reef tank? and does the size of the fish matter? and what is the problems with having to many fish?

 

It all depends on the size of fish. I would say 1 inch of full grown size for every 2- 2.5 gallons. Others will say more, some will say less. I have 5 fish that are roughly 3"-4" each in my 46 gallon and I am considering adding just one more.

However, there are some types of fish - tangs, triggers, etc. that need larger tanks and you need to look at their minimum tank size when choosing fish.

Overstocking can result in greater maintenance requirements, stunted growth, and aggressiveness between tank mates.

 

List some fish you want then we can pin point what exactly stock you can safely have without out growing your tank. 8)

 

Here is my stupid opinion, depends on what you want to do with your tank, me! I am in it for the Corals, Dusters, ETC. The fish in my tank 3, and i can have more I call my clean up crew, they are there to keep pods and such population in check, the more fish you have, the more waste you have and the more food you have to put in your tank, I got 2 perculas and i didn't really want 3 fish, but my wife wanted them, to me fish ='s more trouble, I am one of the very rare to think that way, so pay no mind to my opinion, hahaha!!

 

No ReefnJeff you are not alone in this thinking. I have always kept my stocking list very small. SW fish require alot of room compared to FW fish. Keeping alot of fish is usually a recipe for disaster and is IMO a ticking time bomb. Its not will it go off but when.

 

I say one, maybe two fish for your tank. The advice above is spot on. More food in, more waste produced, more your corals will be unhappy. Makes more maintenance, higher maintenance on you!

 

Post a list of desired fish, we can help you from there