How do you determine the bio load
- Thread starter tazcat70
- Start date
Ask people on this site every time you need to know. Experience is the best way to figure out the bioload. Essentially, as long as you don't overstock, you should be fine if you have a good biological filter.
I don't think it's an exact science. I think "bioload" basically means how much a fish eats and how much waste it produces in relation to the size of the container it is in. So, two goldfish in a 50,000 gallon pond would be a small bioload compared to, say, a school of 10 neons in a 2.5 gallon nano tank.
Although, as a general rule, the fish's size is probably a good indicator. The bigger the fish, the higher the bioload, assuming that the tank size is in an adequate range for that type of fish. At least, that's how I understand it--someone who knows more can correct me if I'm wrong.
Although, as a general rule, the fish's size is probably a good indicator. The bigger the fish, the higher the bioload, assuming that the tank size is in an adequate range for that type of fish. At least, that's how I understand it--someone who knows more can correct me if I'm wrong.
If you have a good biological filter you can even dismiss the one inch on fish per gallon rule. I have a 20 high planted and in it I have 6 zebra danios, 4 harlequin rasboras, 5 red tail rasboras, 3 gold danios and 2 apple snails. It may seem a bit much and some may even say it's overstocked but I have no water quality issues mainly because of a good bio filter and the small size of my fish contributes a lot too. Obviously the temperament of the fish has a lot to do with it. I would not be able to achieve these stocking numbers with more aggressive fish, ever. In my opinion a good way to learn stocking guidelines is to make a tank with small schooling fish and see what you can get away with.
Thanks! I thought it would be easier if there was a mathematical equasion or a list of high output fish.
I have a planted tank, and I currently have 13 Pristella Tetras, 10 White Clouds, 3 Skunk Cories, 3 Endlers, 5 Swordtails, and some shrimp in a 55 gallon. My numbers have been looking good.
At some point I want to add more cories. I think I will most likely at some point move out the live bearers and add some other types.
I have a planted tank, and I currently have 13 Pristella Tetras, 10 White Clouds, 3 Skunk Cories, 3 Endlers, 5 Swordtails, and some shrimp in a 55 gallon. My numbers have been looking good.
At some point I want to add more cories. I think I will most likely at some point move out the live bearers and add some other types.
Your bio-load is too much when you can't keep your numbers within the preferred parameters.
Common sense also dictates a portion of it. The things you need to keep in mind are things such as territory, swimming room, swimming level, and personality habits of the fish. You can have a very light bio-load but other factors may prevent you from having a certain quantity. Some you can have a ton of and still not exceed bio-limit of the tank. Bio-load is a consideration only, it is not a hard and fast rule. The type and size of filter also play a role.
Jakerozi has the best suggestion and that is to ask what is acceptable.
As an example, I have a 90 gallon with 3 fish and a 29 gallon with 75. Which is over-stocked? The answer is neither!
Common sense also dictates a portion of it. The things you need to keep in mind are things such as territory, swimming room, swimming level, and personality habits of the fish. You can have a very light bio-load but other factors may prevent you from having a certain quantity. Some you can have a ton of and still not exceed bio-limit of the tank. Bio-load is a consideration only, it is not a hard and fast rule. The type and size of filter also play a role.
Jakerozi has the best suggestion and that is to ask what is acceptable.
As an example, I have a 90 gallon with 3 fish and a 29 gallon with 75. Which is over-stocked? The answer is neither!