Is my tank....

[packer43064]

Overstocked. People come over and some say it's overstocked and hassle me about it while others say get more fish. So MFK what is your opinion.

Specs:
125: filtered by two emp 400's. First emp is filled with 4 filter pads the other emp has two pads and two containers of carbon. I know, I know but I like my tank extra clear. It's going to be bare-bottom,about 90% of Flourite is gone with last WC.

Fish:
2 Florida gars(14 and 12 in.)
2 Oscars(8 in. or so)
Senegal(5 in.)
Bullhead catfish(9-10 in.)
Striped Raphel catfish(5 in.)

I personally don't think it's overstocked but what do I know.

PS. I posted here since the answer could end up "technical".

 

[12 Volt Man]

I would not get more fish because none of your fish are fullly grown yet except for the exception of the raphael, who is getting close.

but those oscars can easily add another 4 inches of growth each, the gars can get bigger etc.

the real test of 'overstocking' is generally water quality:

if your ammonia is zero, your nitrites are zero, and your nitrates are reasonable (not sky high) your generally fine.

but sometimes adding more fish means you slowly become 'not fine'

 

[fishbum]

I'd say no if you have good water parameters.But I would add a canister myself. 2 HOB with that many large fish in a 125,just doesn't seem like enough filtration to me.Then again I have 2 Emperor 400's on a 55 with one GT,I like a lot of filtration.

 

[12 Volt Man]

I was thinking the same thing about the emperor's, they are just cartridge filters. not really much media capacity. as those monsters finish growing, you may want to add a canister like a Rena XP3

 

[packer43064]

I would not get more fish because none of your fish are fullly grown yet except for the exception of the raphael, who is getting close.

but those oscars can easily add another 4 inches of growth each, the gars can get bigger etc.

the real test of 'overstocking' is generally water quality:

if your ammonia is zero, your nitrites are zero, and your nitrates are reasonable (not sky high) your generally fine.

but sometimes adding more fish means you slowly become 'not fine'

Yeah, the nitrates just get ovewr 40ppm in two weeks or close to it. It's fine for now as expected but additional filtration will be needed as time goes on.Thnx

I'd say no if you have good water parameters.But I would add a canister myself. 2 HOB with that many large fish in a 125,just doesn't seem like enough filtration to me.Then again I have 2 Emperor 400's on a 55 with one GT,I like a lot of filtration.

Agreed on the canister being needed. Don't have the money now but next time I get my college refund I'll get one.

I didn't think it was overstocked at least compared to some other tanks.

 

[12 Volt Man]

you should change water weekly. additional filtration will not remove the nitrates. you can only do that with weekly water changes.

 

[packer43064]

you should change water weekly. additional filtration will not remove the nitrates. you can only do that with weekly water changes.

I know. I was just saying they get just over 40ppm in two weeks.

 

[12 Volt Man]

thats not too bad. its tough to get low nitrates with monster fish, no matter how often you change water. they just make lots and lots of waste..