Change of plans.... Help stocking a 55g

[x3ro]

I just picked up a regular 4' long 55g tank.

Need help on some stocking ideas.

I want a community tank.. But something I can have some bigger fish in, since I have more room this go around.

Some sort of cichlids. I dunno on this one. I'm dumbfounded which way to go.

I'd like some colorful fish.

Help :)

[Erniec]

Just remeber the 1 inch per gallon, so large fish will reduce how many you have, I tried to stay with fish not growing no more 3 Inches, Color was my thing in the tank

[JMatthew]

I just picked up a regular 4' long 55g tank.

Need help on some stocking ideas.

I want a community tank.. But something I can have some bigger fish in, since I have more room this go around.

Some sort of cichlids. I dunno on this one. I'm dumbfounded which way to go.

I'd like some colorful fish.

Help :)

"A community tank" "Some bigger fish" "some sort of cichlids" "some colorful fish"

Interesting mix of requirements.

Based on THOSE requirements I would recommend you do a Lake Tanganyikian Community Tank. Perhaps not as colorful as if you did Malawians, but you can still find a lot of nice colors and A LOT more shape and behavior variation.

[Sollo]

Sounds like you need a mix of 8-10 Mbuna cichlids from our 140 gallon. :)

BTW - we have a 48" 75 gallon tank not being used that would have held more fish! :D

If interested in heading to McKinney this weekend - let us know by Wednesday and we can accomodate you. :cool:

[x3ro]

Yeah, I definitely want some colorful fish in the tank. An idea of what I had in my last tank, which was a tall and short 55g:

2 - bolivian rams
6 - silvertip tetra
6 - glowlight tetra
3 - panda corycats
3 - bronze corycats
1 - bristlenose pleco

I don't wanna go with the same species.. I'm sure I'll go with some tetra and stuff, unless someone can steer me towards a really good all cichlid stocking or something. With all the species out there, I just don't know which way I want to go..

I do want stuff I can find relatively easily locally, though.

x3ro added 6 Minutes and 8 Seconds later...

"A community tank" "Some bigger fish" "some sort of cichlids" "some colorful fish"

Interesting mix of requirements.

Based on THOSE requirements I would recommend you do a Lake Tanganyikian Community Tank. Perhaps not as colorful as if you did Malawians, but you can still find a lot of nice colors and A LOT more shape and behavior variation.

Didn't see this till after I posted my other comment.

Absolutely no hard and fast requirements here. Just looking for some direction, really.

I want some decent color. Nothing too bland.. I also would like some activity... As I like to sit and watch the fishies :)

I just happen to like the cichlids for their coloring.

x3ro added 6 Minutes and 45 Seconds later...

Sollo, I sent you a PM.

[rpoabr]

Bolivian Rams and Kribs would fit the bill. They are plenty interesting and add some color too.

[KiDD]

Cookie Cutter Setup for 55-gallons
(48x13x20 in / 122x33x51 cm) by the CF Moderators 55 gallons is perhaps the most popular aquarium size, particularly among beginners. These tanks are economical. They are "large" aquariums with a thrilling length of four feet. 55-gallon aquariums also offer seemingly endless possibilities. There are so many different fishes that would work in a 55-gallon aquarium that it opens the door to so many fishes and new experiences within the world of cichlids. Below you will find some suggested stocking combinations, but by no means is this list exhaustive.
The following combinations are many and varied; therefore, it does not make sense to comment categorically here on substrate or decorations. Please research each setup's specific requirements. Items to consider are diet, substrate, plants, rocks, and caves. A reliable heater, preferably 200W, is always an important consideration.
There are many effective methods for filtering a 55-gallon aquarium. Wet/Dry filters, such as the Tidepool I, are excellent filters. They are not as popular as other methods however due to the extra work required to get them plumbed and fitted to the aquarium. One of the most popular and effective methods for filtration is to use a canister filter in addition to either a Hang-On-Back (HOB) filter or a submersible sponge filter. Suggested canister filters include Eheim 2026, Eheim 2213, Fluval 303, Magnum 350, and Filstar XP2. Companion HOB filters include Emperor 400 and Aquaclear 500. There are many submersible pumps which could be attached to a sponge. These can be used to create additional water movement and extra polishing. Each of these methods would benefit from at least one airstone. http://www.cichlid-forum.com/images/c-f_end.gif



Tanganyika Community Aquariums

• Cyprichromis leptosoma (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1467) - 12
Select 1 pair from each group (max of 2 pairs):
• Altolamprologus calvus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1578) or compressiceps (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1582)
• Neolamprologus leleupi (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1614) or cylindricus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1608)
• Julidochromis (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/category.php?cat=11) or Chalinochromis (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=2224)
• Telmatochromis vittatus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1781), bifrenatus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1771) or brichardi (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1774)


• Neolamprologus brichardi (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=2257) complex - pair
• Cyprichromis leptosoma (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1467) - 12
• Synodontis petricola - 3-6



• Cyprichromis leptosoma (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1467) - 12 (non-jumbos)
• Altolamprologus calvus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1578) or compressiceps (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1582)
• Neolamprologus buescheri (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=2231) - 12
• Shell dweller pair of choice -
'Lamprologus' (Shellies) brevis (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1743),
multifasciatus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1749) (group), meleagris,
ornatipinnis (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1754), ocellatus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1753), speciosus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1759),
similis (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1758) (group), Neolamprologus signatus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1632)




Tanganyikan Sand-Sifter Setup:

• Xenotilapia papilio (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=2039) or flavipinnis (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=2034)
• Paracyprichromis brieni (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1477) or nigripinnis (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1478)
• Altolamprologus calvus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1578) or compressiceps (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1582) - pair
• Cyprichromis leptosoma (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1467) - 12
• Phyllonemus typus - 4




Lake Malawi Haplochromine Aquarium

Select up to 3 groups (Only 1 male for each group is preferred. 9 fish total for the tank):
• Any Copadichromis (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1008) species (except for larger species i.e. borleyi, jacksoni, etc.)
• Any Protomelas (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1235) species (except for larger species, i.e. taeniolatus, spilonotus, sp. "Mbenji Thick Lip", etc.)
• Any Aulonocara (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/category.php?cat=3) species (no jacobfreibergi)
• Any Placidochromis (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1204) species (except for milomo)
• Otopharynx lithobates (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1191)
• Any Nyassachromis species



Smaller, Less Aggressive Mbuna Aquarium

Select any 3 species (max 12 fishes):
• Metriaclima estherae (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1730)
• Pseudotropheus saulosi (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1)
• Pseudotropheus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1460) sp. "Acei" (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1460)
• Labidochromis (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1911) sp. "Hongi" (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1911)
• Labidochromis caeruleus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=713)
• Labidochromis (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=741) sp. "Perlmutt" (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=741)
• Labidochromis chisimulae (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=715)
• Iodotropheus sprengerae (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=707)
• Cynotilapia afra (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1371)
Do not mix any Labidochromis species.



Larger, More Aggressive Mbuna Aquarium

Select any 2 groups (max 10 fishes):
• Labeotropheus trewavasae (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1696)
• Melanochromis johanni (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=760)
• Tropheops tropheops (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=985)
• Pseudotropheus elongatus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=855)
• Metriaclima pyrsonotos (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1790)



South American Aquarium

Select only one group from the following:
• Laetacara dorsigera (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=141) - 5
• Gymnogeophagus meridionalis (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=482) - 5
• Aequidens pulcher (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=171) - 1 pair
-and-
• Nematobrycon palmeri "Emperor Tetra" - 6
• Ancistrus temminckii "Bristlenose Pleco" - 2



• Cleithracara maronii (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=139) - 4
• Mesonauta festivus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=200) - 1 pair
• Pterophyllum scalare (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=197) - 1 pair
• Baryancistrus sp. "Gold Nugget" - 2



• Pterophyllum scalare (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=197) - 4
• Mikrogeophagus ramirezi (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=421) or altispinosa (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=420) - 4
• Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis "Lemon Tetra"- 8
• Otocinclus affinis or vittatus - 2
• Corydoras myersi - 5



Central American Aquarium

Select only one species combo from the following:
• 'Cichlasoma' octofasciatum (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=23) - 1 pair
• Archocentrus nanoluteus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=131) - 2 pairs
• Neetroplus nematopus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=138) - 4 to 6
• Thorichthys aureus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=60) - 4


• 'Cichlasoma' salvini (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=26) - 1 pair
• Archocentrus nigrofasciatus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=132) - 1 pair



West African Aquarium

Select 2 pairs from the following:
• Thysochromis ansorgei
• Nanochromis transvestitus, nudiceps , or parilus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1349)
• Pelvicachromis taeniatus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1352) or pulcher (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1350)
• Pseudocrenilabrus nicholsi (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1440)
• Anomalochromis thomasi (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1342)
• Steatocranus casuarius (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1353)
• Synodontis nigreventris

[RichardB]

I got a huge salvini on sale :p

[Erniec]

That is a sweet list kidd!!, I know who to goto if I ever convert

[KiDD]

That is a sweet list kidd!!, I know who to goto if I ever convert


It's a cookie cutter list from Cichlids-Forums.com
There is alot of good Cichlid info on that site.

[EVoL]

You could always do an all male Malawi peacock tank. It will not be the cheapest because just buying males can get expensive since they have to be grown out to tell they malesas any LFS will tell you they can't tell the difference in juvies. It's just an option just not a cheap one but all male tanks are very colorful.

[x3ro]

Cookie Cutter Setup for 55-gallons
(48x13x20 in / 122x33x51 cm) by the CF Moderators 55 gallons is perhaps the most popular aquarium size, particularly among beginners. These tanks are economical. They are "large" aquariums with a thrilling length of four feet. 55-gallon aquariums also offer seemingly endless possibilities. There are so many different fishes that would work in a 55-gallon aquarium that it opens the door to so many fishes and new experiences within the world of cichlids. Below you will find some suggested stocking combinations, but by no means is this list exhaustive.
The following combinations are many and varied; therefore, it does not make sense to comment categorically here on substrate or decorations. Please research each setup's specific requirements. Items to consider are diet, substrate, plants, rocks, and caves. A reliable heater, preferably 200W, is always an important consideration.
There are many effective methods for filtering a 55-gallon aquarium. Wet/Dry filters, such as the Tidepool I, are excellent filters. They are not as popular as other methods however due to the extra work required to get them plumbed and fitted to the aquarium. One of the most popular and effective methods for filtration is to use a canister filter in addition to either a Hang-On-Back (HOB) filter or a submersible sponge filter. Suggested canister filters include Eheim 2026, Eheim 2213, Fluval 303, Magnum 350, and Filstar XP2. Companion HOB filters include Emperor 400 and Aquaclear 500. There are many submersible pumps which could be attached to a sponge. These can be used to create additional water movement and extra polishing. Each of these methods would benefit from at least one airstone. http://www.cichlid-forum.com/images/c-f_end.gif



Tanganyika Community Aquariums

• Cyprichromis leptosoma (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1467) - 12
Select 1 pair from each group (max of 2 pairs):
• Altolamprologus calvus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1578) or compressiceps (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1582)
• Neolamprologus leleupi (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1614) or cylindricus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1608)
• Julidochromis (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/category.php?cat=11) or Chalinochromis (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=2224)
• Telmatochromis vittatus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1781), bifrenatus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1771) or brichardi (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1774)


• Neolamprologus brichardi (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=2257) complex - pair
• Cyprichromis leptosoma (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1467) - 12
• Synodontis petricola - 3-6



• Cyprichromis leptosoma (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1467) - 12 (non-jumbos)
• Altolamprologus calvus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1578) or compressiceps (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1582)
• Neolamprologus buescheri (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=2231) - 12
• Shell dweller pair of choice -
'Lamprologus' (Shellies) brevis (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1743),
multifasciatus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1749) (group), meleagris,
ornatipinnis (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1754), ocellatus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1753), speciosus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1759),
similis (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1758) (group), Neolamprologus signatus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1632)




Tanganyikan Sand-Sifter Setup:

• Xenotilapia papilio (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=2039) or flavipinnis (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=2034)
• Paracyprichromis brieni (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1477) or nigripinnis (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1478)
• Altolamprologus calvus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1578) or compressiceps (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1582) - pair
• Cyprichromis leptosoma (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1467) - 12
• Phyllonemus typus - 4




Lake Malawi Haplochromine Aquarium

Select up to 3 groups (Only 1 male for each group is preferred. 9 fish total for the tank):
• Any Copadichromis (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1008) species (except for larger species i.e. borleyi, jacksoni, etc.)
• Any Protomelas (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1235) species (except for larger species, i.e. taeniolatus, spilonotus, sp. "Mbenji Thick Lip", etc.)
• Any Aulonocara (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/category.php?cat=3) species (no jacobfreibergi)
• Any Placidochromis (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1204) species (except for milomo)
• Otopharynx lithobates (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1191)
• Any Nyassachromis species



Smaller, Less Aggressive Mbuna Aquarium

Select any 3 species (max 12 fishes):
• Metriaclima estherae (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1730)
• Pseudotropheus saulosi (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1)
• Pseudotropheus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1460) sp. "Acei" (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1460)
• Labidochromis (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1911) sp. "Hongi" (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1911)
• Labidochromis caeruleus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=713)
• Labidochromis (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=741) sp. "Perlmutt" (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=741)
• Labidochromis chisimulae (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=715)
• Iodotropheus sprengerae (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=707)
• Cynotilapia afra (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1371)
Do not mix any Labidochromis species.



Larger, More Aggressive Mbuna Aquarium

Select any 2 groups (max 10 fishes):
• Labeotropheus trewavasae (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1696)
• Melanochromis johanni (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=760)
• Tropheops tropheops (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=985)
• Pseudotropheus elongatus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=855)
• Metriaclima pyrsonotos (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1790)



South American Aquarium

Select only one group from the following:
• Laetacara dorsigera (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=141) - 5
• Gymnogeophagus meridionalis (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=482) - 5
• Aequidens pulcher (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=171) - 1 pair
-and-
• Nematobrycon palmeri "Emperor Tetra" - 6
• Ancistrus temminckii "Bristlenose Pleco" - 2



• Cleithracara maronii (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=139) - 4
• Mesonauta festivus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=200) - 1 pair
• Pterophyllum scalare (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=197) - 1 pair
• Baryancistrus sp. "Gold Nugget" - 2



• Pterophyllum scalare (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=197) - 4
• Mikrogeophagus ramirezi (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=421) or altispinosa (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=420) - 4
• Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis "Lemon Tetra"- 8
• Otocinclus affinis or vittatus - 2
• Corydoras myersi - 5



Central American Aquarium

Select only one species combo from the following:
• 'Cichlasoma' octofasciatum (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=23) - 1 pair
• Archocentrus nanoluteus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=131) - 2 pairs
• Neetroplus nematopus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=138) - 4 to 6
• Thorichthys aureus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=60) - 4


• 'Cichlasoma' salvini (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=26) - 1 pair
• Archocentrus nigrofasciatus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=132) - 1 pair



West African Aquarium

Select 2 pairs from the following:
• Thysochromis ansorgei
• Nanochromis transvestitus, nudiceps , or parilus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1349)
• Pelvicachromis taeniatus (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1352) or pulcher (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1350)
• Pseudocrenilabrus nicholsi (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1440)
• Anomalochromis thomasi (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1342)
• Steatocranus casuarius (http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=1353)
• Synodontis nigreventris

Wow, that's a lot of information to digest. Thanks! Can anyone dumb it down for me? LOL.

[bluenautilus2]

That 1" per gallon thing goes out the window once you have fish that are longer than 4". Just think about it. Imagine a 6" Jack Dempsey as compared to 6 1" neons. Who would tip the scales? I have a book somewhere that lists the inches on a sliding scale. I know 8" of fish needs 15 gallons... I'll try to post it later today.

[Edog610]

@KiDD
awesome list!!!

Edog610 added 4 Minutes and 10 Seconds later...

@bluenautilus2
agree...
turtles are 1" for every 10gal I have heard
But big cichlids need more than just 1gal per inch... picture a ten-inch oscar in a 10gal tank.

[x3ro]

I sent you a PM edog!

[chindtown]

Sounds like you need a mix of 8-10 Mbuna cichlids from our 140 gallon. :)

BTW - we have a 48" 75 gallon tank not being used that would have held more fish! :D

If interested in heading to McKinney this weekend - let us know by Wednesday and we can accomodate you. :cool:




Hey Sollo, lets see the pics of those Mbunas. Lets see.

[alta678]

Sollo has NICE fish! I have seen his tank. :hehe:

[cichlidkeeper]

add a school of giant danios to the tank. they add a little bit of color, good activity, and will breed or at least attempt to frequently. their breeding colors are pretty nice.

[JMatthew]

That 1" per gallon thing goes out the window once you have fish that are longer than 4". Just think about it. Imagine a 6" Jack Dempsey as compared to 6 1" neons. Who would tip the scales? I have a book somewhere that lists the inches on a sliding scale. I know 8" of fish needs 15 gallons... I'll try to post it later today.

There's a program out there that goes into what the fiish needs based on it's bio-load by both size AND species. A three in common pleco is going to produce a good deal more waste than a 3 inch Danio, for instance.

Of course, water perameters is not the only concern, but also eventual size, shape and natural behavior of the fish all come into play.