Hey everyone, it's starting to get chilly up here in Massachusetts and I'm trying to get my native tank squared away and all set for the winter. My current stock in my 75 gallon tank is as follows: 2 female bluegill, 1 male pumpkinseed, & 3 male red breasted sunfish. All of them are in the 5-6 inch range. So far everyone has been working out well but im worried that the tank is overstocked and as these fish grow, I may have problems. There is a guy down the street that has a couple BIG native tanks that I know and he said that he can take any from me that i don't have room for so please guys let me know what you think about if i need to lessen my stock and which fish should go. I can tell that the Male P.seed is the dominant fish of the tank, as he's always front and center in the tank and gives some the red breasts a little chase sometimes (but never anything serious at all). I can also see the dominant male within the trio of red breasts as well. No one seems to bother either of the female bluegills, and i know this si going to sound crazy, but i really really like the female bluegills. Eventhough there is no denying that they have the most drab coloration of all the fish in the tank, there is just something about their appearance that I really like. They are all very active and healthy and have full bellies, so let me know what you guys think in terms of the stocking issue. I'd like to be able to keep at least one of the 2 female bluegills, and the male pumpkinseed i'd really like to keep as well. Would removing 1 of the bluegills and 1 of the red breasts work? Or will that mean that the 2 male red breasts left will fight more often? Let me know what you think, Thanks!!
Is My Tank Overstocked?
- Thread starter MonsterCichlids75
- Start date
In this case, more might be better to spread out the natural violence of sunnies. Im not saying add more, but this sounds fine for now. They will grow so a 75 might get tight, but they should be ok for now. I wouldnt worry about the bluegills, but the males might eventually want to fight for the right to breed...food for thought.
Redbreasts are still my favorite, but you can't deny the natural beauty of a good lookin pumpkin! Would love to see some pics of the tank. Sunnies dont get enough credit for beauty and personality
Redbreasts are still my favorite, but you can't deny the natural beauty of a good lookin pumpkin! Would love to see some pics of the tank. Sunnies dont get enough credit for beauty and personality
if your tank is well filtered you'll be fine, just keep in mind these fish have potential to get large, but to be honest probably won't happen. Also sunfish are messy eaters my eat a mass amount and spit half back out, so stay on top of your cleanings or it will become a mess
I had 3 BLuegills, 2 Greens, & 2 Hybrids in a 72gal tank they were from 4 3/4"-6 1/4" when i took them out and seperated into 40gal breeders. The tank is mildly planted. All 7 got along fairly well maybe a little chasing but never had any do damage to each other. All fish could eat without any hassling from others. I keep 2 Mag 350 cans on the tank so good filtration helps. Now in the 72 i have 6 Dollars-1" range, 7 Central Longears- 3/4"-1" range and 7 MO Longears- 1/2"-3/4" range to grow out in till spring before seperating.
