First what is the "Inch Per Gallon Rule"? Take the max adult length and times it by gallons. This was the standard rule but here's why many call it BS. You're not gonna keep a 10" fish in a 10 gallon. At most a 10 gallon would be a very small holding tank while you're prepping your tank for same day transfer. However you can use the rule as a starting point. You can see that the rule says 10" fish equals 10 gallons, once you have started there, you now see that that fish is too big, you can go up to the proper minimum tank size.
However 5 neon tetras, which grow to about 1.5" max would not count as being full stock for a 10 gallon. What it comes down to are three things. Water changes, filtration, and common sense. For smaller fish, if you don't know how many to keep, follow the 1" per gallon rule. It's better to be under stocked than over.
Think about it, does the fish have enough room to swim back and forth, up and down? Does the fish have enough room to swim side ways and turn? You wouldn't rent a closet as a bedroom just because a person could fit inside it would you? How about say a living room is full because a person is in it?
The people who are normally against the 1" per gallon, are normally quick to use it for saying a tank is over stocked. They will tell you 5 neon tetra in a 10 gallon is at max capacity. The tank looks empty but to them it's no different than having 5 people in a midsize sedan.
Again this is where common sense comes in. You can add more fish if you're willing to.do the work. There is a limit to how many fish can go in a tank but you can bend the 1 inch per gallon rule if you buy large enough filtration and do enough regular water changes.
Now when it comes to starting up, you have two choices, decide on what size tank you want, or what fish you want. Personally I think a 20 gallon long, or a 29 gallon are ideal for new hobbyist. Once you have chosen, it's time to research.
If you want a specific fish, look at the minimum tank size requirements and what is said to be able to be kept with it. Some fish need to be kept in pairs or groups. Keep that in mind.
If you're going by tank, dont worry, you can always upgrade later down the road. Research what type of fish can go in a tank that size.
The rules are guidelines. Meant to be bent. When starting up two rules you have to follow are cycling which is making the water livable for fish, and dechlorinating the water, which must be done during every water change as well. There are ways to fast cycle but unless you're on well water, there's almost no way to get around dechlorinating. That includes for salt water tanks.
Check out youtubers like mass aquariums, Rachel O'Leary, Dustin's Fish tanks, Aquarium Co-OP, Urau Joey "the king of DIY", and books from Diana Walstad.
Oh, and 1 final thing. Bettas need at least 1 gallon of water, lighting and filtration minimum for a single betta. Just because stores keep them in cups doesn't mean they're in Ideal environment. Again, would a standard closet be big enough for you to live? Female Bettas can be kept in groups and if the tank is large enough with enough hiding places, you can keep multiple male Bettas. I have seen people keep two or three males in a 45 gallon. I have kept two males in a 75 gallon. Again, use common sense and if you don't know ask.
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