There are enough mistreated fish in the world. Why are you encouraging crowding?Quote:
Originally Posted by knifegill
There is nothing good or interesting about intentionally exceeding a tank's bioload.
The bioload on a tank has nothing to do with whether it's "asian style" or not. To make points against something, you must first understand what it is you are attacking.
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It is not desirable.
Desirability is relative. "Desirable" according to whom?
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It is barely manageable.
Again, according to whom?
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Just because you gave it a name doesn't make it okay. If you started calling twinkies 'super apples', eating them would still be terrible for you. Do you and your fish a favor and stop this idiotic parade before someone gets hurt.
Not worth addressing.
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Overstocking sets up conditions for rapid spread of disease, instant deoxygenation of water in cases of filter failure...the list goes on.
Any tank with fish in it sets up conditions for rapid spread of disease... Get over it.
Overstocking makes it easier for diseases to be spread/start, true. This is why keeping water quality top-notch is a neccessity.
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In a fish market where the fish are not fed and they are all kept at 50 degrees fahrenheit, and going to be slaughtered within days, water cleanliness is a low priority.
Ok... ?
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Don't think for a second that any conscientious fishkeeper would start out with the INTENTIONAL GOAL of overstocking a tank.
I hate to break it to you, but yes, that is exacty what some people do. It's a personal choice whether or not you want a few fish to have a lot of space to swim around, or have a bunch of fish with space to swim around.
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There is nothing attractive about stuffing too many fish into a tank and watching them try to avoid bumping into each other.
Again, it's relative.
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Stop it. Stop it. I wish I could say it louder, but I can't find polite words to say it with, so just stop it.
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The purpose of this topic was to supress a growing notion in two other threads. The notion that overstocking tanks and calling it "Asian Style" in those threads, was a goal to be had. I never said anything about "Asian Themed" tanks. The issue at hand is intentional overstocking. Nicknamed or otherwise, it's a stupid idea. If you really want good-looking, relaxed fish, give them space. This is not an opinion, it is a basic principle.
Oh, and the comment about the fish markets was made to make it clear that those fish are not being kept for health, but for food and profit. Having seen images of crowded tanks in Asian fish market scenes, it is understandable for some people to think that they are seeing something acceptable.
This one is worth addressing because it sounds like a bad trend in the making. Once some practice has a catchy name, it can spread much faster through a given community. I'd defend myself more, but I have to do things around the house, and it's really clear to most people that understocking is optimal, so I'm not exactly saving souls or anything.
On your side, I will agree that certain Rift lake arrangements are more manageable when crowded, as this prevents territorialism. But the water is buffered, making the added load much less toxic. Anyway, no aggression here, just want to help people avoid trendy pitfalls.
