As long as the fish get along and have room to swim and water quality remains great. It makes no difference what so ever. Who would decide what is ok??? Its humorous that people think they can set these parameters. Lol have you looked at natural reefs. There is not an inch of free space. I myself have a 40b with a 20 tall sump. Wait for it......
Flame angel, 2 lg chromis, a clown, a 4 in firefish, springeri dottyback, bangai cardinal, yellow watchman, a pistol shrimp, 2 fire shrimp, a skunk shrimp, brittle star, lg serpent star, sand star, cuc, 2 sand conchs, well over 150 snails, bout 15-20 hermits, porcelin crab, decorator arrow crab.. I'm sure I'm missing some. Water is pristine and all get along great. I'm about out of room now. But this is well over recomended. And all is awsome. Great husbandry is all you need. Dont let artaficial standards run your thoughts.
Flame angel, 2 lg chromis, a clown, a 4 in firefish, springeri dottyback, bangai cardinal, yellow watchman, a pistol shrimp, 2 fire shrimp, a skunk shrimp, brittle star, lg serpent star, sand star, cuc, 2 sand conchs, well over 150 snails, bout 15-20 hermits, porcelin crab, decorator arrow crab.. I'm sure I'm missing some. Water is pristine and all get along great. I'm about out of room now. But this is well over recomended. And all is awsome. Great husbandry is all you need. Dont let artaficial standards run your thoughts.