Is my 125 gallon cichlid tank overstocked?

[Pbass265]

So I just traded in some fish to make room for some cichlids. I had been doing some research on what I wanted and knew a bit about what I was buying however the guy at the store claimed I could add a whole lot more than I thought and wanted to check. He sounded like he had experience and says even with all the fish I have and plan on getting I would still have room for more.

My original list was going to be which I though may be ovestocked:
1 Oscar
1 jd
1 texas
1 firemouth
1 gt

The current stock list contains:
1 regular jd 1 in
1 firemouth 1 in
1 red shoulder sev 2in
1 texas 1 in
1 flowerhornxtexas 1.5 in Im a bit worried about aggression but the store assured me I could always trade it in if it got too bad.
1 synspilum 1 in
1 chocolate 2.5 in
1 rubbernose pleco 2.5 in

Also high up on my list are:
1 albino Oscar
1 green terror
1 more sev of some type
I also really want a Jag but worry about their aggression.

For filtration I currently have a Rena xp3 with the first tray containing sponges, the second packed with the black stars and the third packed with biomax. All compartments are filled where they can be no more. I also plan on adding a sunsun canister either the 4 or 5 stage to ass more bio. I am not sure how many pythos are on top but realistically I would say there is at least 15-20 feet on top creating a canopy. I have a planted one which I take clippings off and add new ones every few months. Water changes are no big deal since it is next to my door so I can use my python to shoot water into the yard and then plug it back into my sink to fill back up. I typically change 50+% on my tanks weekly since it is so easy.

Does anyone think this is possible long term based on experience. I really want to add the GT and O as soon as I can find some the same size as the rest that stand out. The tank currently has only 1 small to medium sized piece of wood. I have read mixed views stating that you can reduce aggression by not having territories to fight over.

Thanks

 

[MrBlueDream]

It is, but it's doable.
I have a sunsun on my 120, and the flow is not as advertised, just so you know. I would add a different one for sure.

My 120 will house 3 bichirs and some small dithers, and I'm thinking about adding additional filtration and UV.

 

[jaws7777]

I like the syn option but instead of a choc go regani...both are ca.

A cool pleco and some nice dithers would be great.

Or choc and a yellow acara could be cool

Sent from my SM-G900P using MonsterAquariaNetwork App

 

[zebulon98524]

not bad

 

[Pbass265]

It is, but it's doable.
I have a sunsun on my 120, and the flow is not as advertised, just so you know. I would add a different one for sure.

My 120 will house 3 bichirs and some small dithers, and I'm thinking about adding additional filtration and UV.

I've heard the flow rate is below what is advertised however feel that they will provide the best bang for the buck. I don't know if I want to use the UV however and may turn it off if possible so that small amounts of algae can grow in the tank for the pleco to eat. He will also be fed zucchini and other greens along with some other vegetables.

 

[Tripplebeards]

I've always went with the old rule...1 fish per 20 gal

 

[Pbass265]

I've always went with the old rule...1 fish per 20 gal

That's about what I was thinking at first but with enough water changes and filtration I am hoping I can make this work. The previous inhabitants got to be way to understocked and the pythos kept everything in check so we will see if I can make this work.

 

[cichlidfish]

I've always went with the old rule...1 fish per 20 gal

That rule doesn't account for territories and aggression. It doesn't factor in bio-load with the filtration and water changes done either. It just doesn't make sense that in a 125g you could have 6.25 fish under that rule. Does that mean 6.25 rams or 6.25 doviis? Big difference. Plus a flowerhorn in that tank will kill everything else.

 

[Montelboom]

That rule doesn't account for territories and aggression. It doesn't factor in bio-load with the filtration and water changes done either. It just doesn't make sense that in a 125g you could have 6.25 fish under that rule. Does that mean 6.25 rams or 6.25 doviis? Big difference. Plus a flowerhorn in that tank will kill everything else.

I think he meant it as "you can have one goldfish in a 30 gal then for each one you add on thats another 20 gallons as long as you have propee filtration" imo

 

[cichlidfish]

I think he meant it as "you can have one goldfish in a 30 gal then for each one you add on thats another 20 gallons as long as you have propee filtration" imo

Goldfish and other peaceful community fish are a different story lol. Some cichlids will claim 4' all to themselves.