Suggestions and stocking examples for a 54, 60, 100, 120, 200, 240 and 300 liter aquarium: As already in ours Guide to occupation and socialization explained, we now want to list a few examples of how a tank could be stocked accordingly. We divide these suggestions into the individual sizes of aquariums. However, this should only be a guide and a recommendation. Of course, there are different opinions on this and, as is so often the case, there is no one right solution.
If you are looking for exact trimming examples, you will also find them with us. We have put together various stocking examples. These are tailored to the respective size of the aquarium.
Stock examples 54 / 60 liter aquarium
Stock example 100 liter aquarium
Stock example 200 liter aquarium
Everything about socialization in the guide
Above all, the following must be observed stocking density and the stocking ratio. For this we have made a special guide where it clarifies how many fish in an aquarium depending on the shape, the capacity and the corresponding fish.
How many fish per cm aquarium ??
When it comes to suggestions, we differentiate primarily according to the capacity of the aquarium, but we also want to make sure that there is a balanced picture between bottom fish and fish for the middle and upper water area.
Attention, please note the following: No matter which occupation you are looking for, the composition of the individual fish depends primarily on the water parameters. These should definitely be compared with each other. The individual profiles of the ornamental fish serve this purpose.
The suggestions only serve as suggestions on how to put together a stocking.
Suggestions for occupation / recommendation for a 54 and 60 liter aquarium
Unfortunately, a very common size for beginners is the 60 or 54 liter tank. Unfortunately because it is usually more difficult to maintain the biological balance when it comes to care. The cast is also difficult and is often done wrong. Such pools are regularly overcrowded. That's why the motto here is less is more. We have already determined the exact number in the article on stocking density. Now let's go into the types.
Let's start with the bottom-dwelling fish. The catfish species in particular should be mentioned here. However, it is a no-go to use an armored catfish, such as the well-known antenna catfish. It grows much too big and therefore does not find enough space in a tank with an edge length of around 60 cm. Here the different types of armored catfish are available. Especially the small dwarf armored catfish or the panda armored catfish can be used here. These grow up to 3 cm long and should be kept in groups. Usually one reads here from 10 animals, whereby one would already come to the limits of the stocking in the 60 liter tank. We therefore recommend 5 pieces of the dwarf armored catfish.
So that it gets a bit more colorful, are the group of viviparous toothcarp also very good for keeping a small number of them in the 60 liter tank. Here, above all, would also Guppies or platy, whereby the latter can be somewhat larger. However, due to the fish's propensity to give birth, only males should be used here. Otherwise it can quickly lead to overstocking.
Among the tetras, there are small species such as the fire tetra or the neon tetra. However, since these should also be kept in swarms and usually in large groups, such a small tank quickly leads to a species tank with only one species. Larger species such as phantom tetra and we wouldn't recommend jewelry tetras either.
From the group of climbing and labyrinth fish, fighting fish would be particularly suitable. We advise against gourami. Even a dwarf gouramis quickly grows to 6 to 7 cm. If it is absolutely necessary, then you can use a pair here, but then you should rather avoid other fish.
But the harlequin barbs or harlequin rasbora are well suited. With a size of up to 3 cm, they are not particularly demanding and should be kept in groups. But here too, the larger the group, the more beautiful the picture.
The dwarf rasbora is also quite beautiful. It is usually only 2 cm tall and can therefore be kept in a group of 10 animals or more at 60 cm.
The dotted blue eye also looks very good. Here, too, a group of 10 or more animals must come.
Our recommendation:
Suggestions for occupation / recommendation for a 100 and 120 liter aquarium
In the next category we are in the area of pools with an edge length of around 80 cm. Here you have a little more leeway when it comes to fishing. If we go by the liter rule, then with around 100 liters of fish measuring 2 cm, you can stock up to 40 pieces. But here, too, the reference to the stocking density in our special article.
Basically, you have the same opportunity to stock the same fish as in a 60 liter tank and of course you can socialize with larger groups here. The more fish in a group, the more impressive the picture.
Let's start again with the ground area. Here, for example, the first armored catfish can already be deployed. Also a catfish would already be possible from this edge length. In addition, marbled armored catfish or the harlequin can also be found armored catfish be used. An orange fin armored catfish could also complete the stocking on the bottom. Known mainly in things algae eater are also the ear lattice armored catfish. There is space for edge lengths from 80 cm.
Everything should be occupied in appropriate groups. Except for the catfish. They can also be kept individually. Keeping them in pairs would of course be even better.
Now let's move on to the further water area. There, too, make the various tetra or the toothcarp quite well. From 80 cm it also makes sense to keep some mollies. These are offered in many colors. Swordtails could also be used in smaller numbers. Here we would rather recommend the aquariums from 200 liters.
With a stock of 30 - 50 fish, two smaller swarms can be stocked. The neon tetras and the five-girdle barbs can see particularly well here Sumatran mullet out of. The latter is already a lot bigger and can therefore only be kept in small groups. The brocade barb is also a very nice fish for the community aquarium, but it also grows up to 7 cm, which will certainly be too much at around 100 liters.
An alternative to two schools would be stocking a pair of paradise gouramis. Visually a real highlight in the pool.
Also the first clown loaches find space. However, here too you should keep at least 4 animals together.
Our recommendation:
Suggestions for occupation / recommendation for a 200 and 240 liter aquarium
There are already a number of options in this area when it comes to stocking ornamental fish. We already pointed out in our setup guide that we believe that tanks with an edge length of 100 cm and a capacity of over 200 liters are ideal for beginners. Not only do you have fewer problems with water parameters such as NO3, NO2, PH, GH, KH or phosphate, you can also keep larger fish.
With the catfish species it is now also possible to devote attention to the first larger armored catfish in addition to the many species of armored catfish. Here, for example, the frying pan catfish or the lance catfish would be a real eye-catcher in the tank. Backstroke swimmers can also be used. The glass catfish are always nice to look at. Here, however, larger groups with at least 8 animals should be maintained.
With the many tetras, which are usually very nice to look at in groups, you could use a swarm of 20 blood tetras. We think these animals look particularly classy. Of course, the neon tetra in different colors, like the green neon, is also quite nice if you have a group of 40 animals.
gourami species
A real highlight are next to the gourami species like the chocolate gourami, the blue threadfish. This climbing fish species fits perfectly in a 240 or 200 liter tank. It might even be possible to keep two couples as long as they have two separate retreat rooms.
If you want to get a Malawi or cichlid tank, you will find the first cichlids of this size that you can use. Panda dwarf cichlid, red cichlid or the yellow emperor cichlid only find enough space for species-appropriate keeping. The complete rangers of the many species from the group of dwarf cichlids are now to be used. As always, you should pay attention to how big the adult animals can get.
Our recommendation:
Suggestions for occupation / recommendation for a 300 and 350 and more liter aquarium
For many aquarists, species-appropriate keeping and a real biotope are only just starting now. And now the king fish like discus or Scalar a. Certainly a real highlight for many.
In terms of size, we move in edge lengths from 120 cm. Of course, there are now no more upper limits. Many species can only be kept from such an edge length at all.
Anyone who keeps a discus or scalar in a 200 liter tank enters the realm of animal cruelty.
Again, let's start with a look at the bottom area of the aquarium. In addition to the many smaller species of catfish, larger ones such as the Lienendornwels or the cuckoo catfish can now be used here. But you should already have an edge length of around 150 cm, because these species can quickly grow up to 30 cm long. The angel catfish is also one of them. The tail stripe of callous catfish would also be an alternative. Of course you can now also approach the large species of L catfish. There are many species with subgenera. For example, the L 134 should be mentioned here. These catfish quickly grow to over 10 cm. Many of these species come from Brazil. So also the numbers 161 to 163.
Another representative, which is mainly found in larger aquariums, is the sailfin. He also wants to be kept in groups and can quickly grow to 15 cm.
Another species that has not yet been considered are the hatchet fish. They can also get quite large and should be kept in groups.
And another species not mentioned so far are the rainbow fish. Due to their special blaze of colour, they are great fun for many aquarists. Nevertheless, you have to be careful here. Rainbow fish can grow up to 15 cm in their individual genera. In addition, they are always schooling fish and love groups of 10 or more animals. That is why they have no place in a tank with an edge length of less than 120 cm.
In the case of the cichlids already mentioned in tanks of around 200 liters, the variety of larger species should now also be mentioned. Many of the cichlids can grow up to 20 cm or larger and should usually be kept in pairs or several animals.
Darling Firetail
A real favorite is also the fire tail. Due to its size and its fast swimming behavior, it also needs a length of more than 120 cm in the aquarium.
Have you ever seen a tank with Siamese Alebeams in a larger shoal? If so, then they also know this fascination. Here, too, the animals are 15 cm. Sucking loaches can now also be shortlisted for tank stocking.
Perhaps a word about scalars. They have a pronounced territorial behavior and therefore problems can quickly arise in groups. Nevertheless, you should always keep them in pairs.[the_ad id=”1016″]
There are also a few things to consider when it comes to discus fish. Above all, their requirements in terms of water values make discus particularly demanding. Groups of up to 10 animals should also be aimed for here. So you won't get by with less than 400 liters.
Loaches grow up to 30 cm in length and should also be kept in groups of 5 fish or more. Nevertheless, very beautiful and impressive fish, which you will mainly find in show tanks.
Certain mouthbrooders and also cichlids such as the lemon cichlid also assume impressive sizes. These fish can usually be kept in pairs. For groups, aquariums under 500 liters will not be possible.
Summary:
Now that we have presented some examples of suggestions on how to stock aquariums, it is only a matter of putting together the right fish for you. It's not just about the size of the fish. Finally, here are the tips and hints on what to consider:
- Keep only ornamental fish with the same water parameters
- Pay attention to the adult size and not that of the young animals
- Often a few species but more fish are optically more beautiful
- Always plan enough reserves
- Never overcrowd the aquarium
- Pay attention to social behavior (groups, black or pairs attitude)
- Pay attention to the territorial behavior
- Always occupy them little by little. Don't overdo it with the diversity of species
With these suggestions as to which fish fit in which aquarium or which aquarium size, you have the first tips and ideas for your planning. Take your time and think carefully. Always think of the welfare of the animals.
In our area of ornamental fish you will find a lot of profiles on the individual species !!