overcrowding?

Question
Hi Stephanie,

My name is John, i have a 55 gallon tank and 10 gallon tank w/ 2tiger barbs & 2albino tiger barbs, and pleco. Now here's my concern about my 55 gallon tank, In my 55gallon, i have 1 bala shark(4-5inch), 1 columbian cat(3-4inch), 1 pleco(4inch),1 brown knife fish(6inch), 4black skirt tetras(.5-1 inch), and i recently added 2pink gouramis (1.3inch), 3 sunsent gouramis(.5-1.2inch) and 1 Honey Dwarf Gourami(1.5inch). now i have this feeling that i'm overcrowding my tank but i have less ornaments that are in the tank which gives them a lot of space, however, i want to put 2more pink gouramis and 1 blue dwarf gourami in addition to them for a perfect symmetry. Usually my knife and catfish are just hiding the whole time the light is on, Therefore, my other fish has a lot of swimming space for them, but do you think its overcrowded already? they seem to be fine, and all the gouramis are active so far. my pleco is very active for a nocturnal fish. what do you think?
tnx advance for the advice Stephanie
sincerely, John

Answer
Hello,

The general rule of thumb for stocking aquariums is 1 inch of fish (not including the tail) per gallon of water. That, however, may get you a very full aquarium. I would recommend a little less then that, because your aquarium is not only filled with water. There is probably 50 gallons of water and 5 gallons of decorations and rocks. I think that once you buy the 3 more gouramis you were planning to get, then you will probably have a full enough aquarium. Fish will always appreciate having a little extra room.

I hope this helps.

Regards,
Stephanie