Stocking rates are an important consideration because of the direct effect it has on the need to perform water changes. Waste from growing Angelfish that are fed heavily and often fuel the nitrogen cycle and the accumulation of its byproducts. A major source of the ammonia generated inside the aquarium is given off by the fish gills. This accumulation and it's by products must be removed with water changes. Add more fish waste and food and the production of byproducts multiply and so does the need for water changes. Whenever the frequency of water changes becomes impractical reduce stocking rates.

Here are some suggested  guidelines that are subject to adjustment depending on each tanks water quality and the level of husbandry applied. Individual aquarium stocking rates may vary from one micro hatchery compared to another micro hatchery. Tanks that receive better husbandry and maintain high water quality are able sustain higher numbers of fish. Bare bottom tanks provide the highest stocking rates. The stocking rates suggested here are based on bare bottom tanks maintained with a degree high husbandry. Planted show tanks may require lower stocking rates.