About Aquastock
Who writes this
I have kept freshwater aquariums for fourteen years, from 5-gallon shrimp bowls to a 125-gallon South American community. I have bred guppies, bristlenose plecos and kribensis, killed more fish than I am comfortable admitting while learning, and spent an unreasonable amount of time reading primary literature on species requirements.
Everything published here is either something I have done myself, or something drawn from species databases and peer-reviewed sources and clearly framed as such. Where the hobby disagrees — and it disagrees constantly — I say so rather than pretending there is a single answer.
Why this site exists
Most aquarium advice online is copied from other aquarium advice online. The "one inch per gallon" rule has been repeated for forty years despite being demonstrably wrong. Minimum tank sizes for common species vary by a factor of three between the first five results on Google, with no explanation of how any of them were reached.
We take the opposite approach. Our methodology page sets out exactly how minimum tank size, group size and compatibility are calculated, so you can disagree with the reasoning rather than just the number.
Editorial standards
- Every figure is derived, not copied. Tank sizes come from adult size, swimming style, social requirements and bioload — not from tradition.
- Uncertainty is stated. Where evidence is thin, particularly for breeding and lifespan in rarely bred species, we say so.
- Animal welfare comes before convenience. If a species does not belong in a common tank size, we say that even though it is not what people want to read.
- No paid placements. Nothing on this site is recommended because someone paid for it.
- Corrections are published. If we get something wrong, tell us and we will fix it and note the change.
What we cover
Currently 36 freshwater species with full care sheets, 630 individual compatibility assessments covering every possible pairing between them, 12 guides, and two interactive tools — a stocking calculator and a compatibility checker. Coverage expands continuously.
Contact and corrections
Found an error, or disagree with a recommendation? We would rather know. Corrections are the fastest way to make this resource better, and experienced keepers frequently catch things we miss.
Disclaimer
Content on Aquastock is educational. Aquarium keeping involves live animals and local conditions vary — water chemistry, room temperature, individual temperament and regional stock quality all differ. Tank volume never replaces species research, mature filtration and regular water testing. For sick animals, consult a qualified aquatic veterinarian where available.