Is my tank crowded?

[solomon415]

Obviously, if I'm asking this questiom here, I'm aware that there might be a problem. Maybe, I'm good. Maybe I'm pushing it. Maybe all my fish will die. Tell me what you guys think.

The specifics:

20 gallon tank. Surface filter, heater and air pump.
Lightly planted (2 plants) and a nice big chunk of driftwood
one 1 1/2 inch Powder Bluew Guorami
one 2 inch Rainbow fish
one 2 inch Golden Wonder Killie
one 5 inch Peacock (Spiny) Eel
4 small 1/2 inch Neon Tetras

Is this tank sustainable? My ammonia levels are a bit high. Not yet on the danger or toxic side, but there is some ammonia present so I know that is not healthy for the fish. I didn't properly cycle the tank. When I moved up to my 20 gallon from a 10 gallon I used the water which had beneficial bacteria established and safe, cycled water params. Problem is, that it only filled half the tank so I had to put new water in it. I let that sit for 3 days before I put in the fish. It has been a week now and the fish seem fine.

I've been doing 30-40% water changes every other day or so to try to keep the ammonia levels down. I also have ammonia "de-toxifiers" which I'm mixing in the water.

Are my fish doomed? Can I pull this off and keep my fish nice and healthy? What can I do to give my fish a better chance of survival?

Thanks in advance for any feedback/advice. I'm new here but lovin this forum.

 

[benzjamin13]

Welcome to MFK. I'm not sure what you mean by surface filter. Those Neons may disappear when the Eel gets larger. It can work but I suggest bumping up your filtration. Maybe get a AC70. I always get filters that are recommended for at least double the size tank that I'm putting it in.

 

[solomon415]

Welcome to MFK. I'm not sure what you mean by surface filter. Those Neons may disappear when the Eel gets larger. It can work but I suggest bumping up your filtration. Maybe get a AC70. I always get filters that are recommended for at least double the size tank that I'm putting it in.

It's the filter that came with the tank. I have a Top-Fin 20 gallon tank system that came with a filter and heater. It seems to be working well. Do you have any advice for me in regards to the crowding question?

 

[Pyramid_Party]

I think you are fine, just slightly crowded when they grow. But I agree, bump up the filtration.

 

[dr_sudz]

i also agree, bump filtration but alright otherwise.

 

[Cichlaholics Anonymous]

the stocking isn't bad, but the problem is the fact that there are still issues with ammonia, just keep doing what you're doing, maybe some bio spira if you want to try

 

[IKeepPacu]

It's the filter that came with the tank. I have a Top-Fin 20 gallon tank system that came with a filter and heater. It seems to be working well. Do you have any advice for me in regards to the crowding question?

if its one of those top-fin 20's, their rather crappy filters to be totally honest, atleast in my opinion. i have one on my sons 10g convict tank, and im less than pleased with its flow rate and filtration capabilities. i would spend the few dollars and get an aquaclear70 as suggested already. their the best powerfilter you can get, without spending $ on a cannister filter.

as was said, your neons may dissapear to the eel eventually, but otherwise your fine with that stock as long as you upgrade filters, and watch your ammonia levels until your tank fully cycles.

 

[solomon415]

Thanks everybody! I really appreciate the advice. I'm going to go buy a new filter right now. Man the products those Top Fin tank systems come with realy are crappy. My heater broke. Gotta go replace it!

Thanks again and keep the advice comin'!

 

[IKeepPacu]

Thanks everybody! I really appreciate the advice. I'm going to go buy a new filter right now. Man the products those Top Fin tank systems come with realy are crappy. My heater broke. Gotta go replace it!

Thanks again and keep the advice comin'!

best advice we can give right now, you learned already.

try and buy quality equipment when you can. you may pay a few extra $ now, but it could potentially save you the cost of another entire replacement later, along with any fish that could be lost along the way. for example a real cheap heater can either stop working and let the water cool too much, or it could heat your water too high and cook your fish alive.

ive tried and save a few bucks here and there buying off-brand or second rate filters, heaters, pumps and what not, but more times than not end up kicking myself in the butt for it. theres just no replacement for quality

 

[solomon415]

best advice we can give right now, you learned already.

try and buy quality equipment when you can. you may pay a few extra $ now, but it could potentially save you the cost of another entire replacement later, along with any fish that could be lost along the way. for example a real cheap heater can either stop working and let the water cool too much, or it could heat your water too high and cook your fish alive.

ive tried and save a few bucks here and there buying off-brand or second rate filters, heaters, pumps and what not, but more times than not end up kicking myself in the butt for it. theres just no replacement for quality

Thanks man, I really appreciate it. Everybody was telling me to pick up a AquaClear 70. I went and bought the 50. I have a 20 gallon tank so it should do the trick right?

Another question, will it harm my fish by putting a new filter in there? Since I'm essentially putting a sterile filter in there with no bacteria cultures, will the ammonia spike again?