why are there such differences in what people recommend fishwise for small tanks?

lostperspective

I have a 30 litre tank which I set up yesterday. (& yes I do know about the nitrogen cycle).

Some people say a tank slightly larger than mind is suitable for virtually nothing, when others say you can have 16 (small) fish in the tank or more?

So I guess I'd like to know what limitations these people are disagreeing on & what fish you'd recommend for my tank?

Also while I'm here I was wondering whether you'd recommend dwarf hairgrass for my tank?

It's currently got a heater & filter going. Here's a picture: (the heater has since been added)

badxgillen

its about experience and mentality research and compatibility...in a small inviroment just the addition of a single species can throw of the kiltter of another...

badxgillen

dwarf hair grass likes alot of light....

Byron

The number of fish that any aquarium will comfortably and safely hold depends upon the water volume, type of fish, size of fish, water parameters, and physical environment (plants, wood, rock according to the fish's respective needs). There are no "numbers" that work every time. In your tank (30 litres or 8 gallons), 12 Ember Tetra would be fine, with a group of 5-6 pygmy corys. Whereas 12 neons would not. For small tanks, small fish. And fish differ from species to species with respect to their interaction, numbers needed to avoid stress, behaviour to other species, etc.