max. amount of fish in ???

Question
QUESTION: Hey Christy! This site is fantastic, I read about people's problem and learn more everyday.
Anyways, there's just something im confused about. Could you tell me the maximum amount of fish for every size tank? Lol, I know, sorry if im bugging you with this big question, but I really wanted to know.
Thank
~**~Much Obliged~**~

ANSWER: Hi Monika
No problem at all!
Actually, there's really no set answer.  It depends on what type of fish you're looking at.  There's the old "1 inch of fish per gallon rule", which isn't very good really.  I think you can use 1 inch of adult size fish per gallon=meaning how big the fish is supposed to grow to, not what size it is when you buy it, and only for community type of fish, and really only as a guideline when buying fish to judge how "overstocked" the tank is....if that makes any sense.

For example, 10 neon tetras get to be about an inch or so, would fit fine in a 10 gallon tank.  They're smaller, don't put out a lot of waste or strain on the beneficial bacteria.  1 ten inch oscar would not fit in a 10 gallon tank, he would need a much larger tank to survive in, because of they're large size and the amount of waste they produce.

Hope that helps, in a roundabout way :)  There's just no set guideline, it just depends on the fish.....and even further what type of filtration you have as well.

Christy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks! I didn't know that! I just wanted to ask, my zebra danio, is acting weird, he is staying near the bottom and scratching on the plants. I automatically checked for ick but found none, what's up?
Thanks!
~*~Much Obliged~*~

ANSWER: Hi Monika
Scratching is usually a sign of parasites.  But it can also be from the ph if it changes suddenly.  I would try adding some aquarium salt to the tank, assuming you don't have any salt sensitive fish like catfish, loaches, plecos, tetras.  1 tablespoon per 5 US gallons and see if that helps any.  It could still be the beginning stages of ich and you're just not seeing it yet.  It also could be flukes.  Does he look like he's breathing heavy on the bottom?  

Christy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes it does, and thanks for your fast reply!
I would add salt but I can't, I in fact, do have tetras, so what do I do?
~*~Much Obliged~*~
~*~Monika~*~

Answer
I would try something like Parasite Clear by Jungle Labs.  It's probably one of the more safer parasite meds to use, and treats a wide range of parasites.  Just follow the directions closely, especially if it mentions using 1/2 a dose with tetras-can't remember off hand if it does.  

Christy