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I just started my tank (Into week 2), it has 3 platies and at least 10 frys (not on purpose). Anyway, I know the rule of 1 inch of fish per gallon of tank. So I have a 20 gallon tank, and am going to add fish accordingly. But if I added snails or something else like that, do I have to account for them in my inch per gallon? Also, someone told me that I can slightly overstock my aquarium if I get a filter that can handle a bigger size tank. Is that right?

This is a great forum, and just what I was looking for, being completely new and completely excited! Thanks for replying in advance!

I wouldn't worry about snails. If you're talking trumpet snails there is no way to count them as the reproduce at an alarming rate. If you get an apple or some other snail that grows large you might consider it in your stock list.

The bigger filter is a good idea, there is no such thing as too much filtration. If you have a bigger filter and you make water changes a religion, then you can overstock a little. Let me say that again, a little. Fish need room to go about their business and if they are crowded, they get cranky and start picking at each other.

More on water changes. If you have all the stuff out anyway, instead of a 20% water change do a 50%-75% and do it once a week on the same day so you remember. That way you won't get a ph crash.

Changing a large volume of water every week keeps the ph about the same as your tap and the fish like consistancy. If the ph crashes because you went a month or two without a water change the bacteria will become inefficient and ammonia will build up. But at low ph amonia exists as ammonium which is not toxic. But when you finally do a water change and the ph rises and ammonium changes back to ammonia and if that doesn't kill the fish ph shock might.

Well, that was long and preachy wasn't it.

Have fun, good luck and pick out some cool fish. Maybe something that'll eat the platty fry or you will end up overstocked.

Mike

get yourself a Betta, they will take care of the Platy Fry for ya and would love the space...Now you need some nice Bottom Fish for your tank....How bout some Cory Cats ??
they do great clean up work.....As for the X-tra filtration, just becareful on how you 'slightly' overstock.. Dont let the Bigger Filter slow your water changes down...Keep up the weekly water changes....Good Luck !!

a 75% water change once a week may be pushing it. the initial fish stock may acclimate to it, but any new additions may die from shock prior to acclimating to such massive water changes.

keep in mind, any small snail populations will quickly multiply in a short period of time. have some back up plan ready to keep them in check.