Is this "overstocked"

[Maaso]

I'm planning out the future stock for my 77/80gal tank. I've used a few different online calculators - and they said I'm at ~80% capacity. But one of the better ones also recommended ~50% water changes weekly....which to me seems a bit excessive and made me raise an eyebrow as to the accuracy of these calculator things. So I figured it would be in my - and the fishes - best interest to get a professional opinion from those whom know more than I do. He is the list of the stock I have in mind....

2 or 3 Needle fish : Xenentodon cancila
1 American eel: Anguilla rostrata (pending since I can't find any)
1 Rope fish: Erpetoichthys calabaricu
2 or 3 Peacock eels: Macrognathus aculeatus
1 Crying whiptail: Loricaria sp.Rio Atabapo
1 Bristlnose pleco: Ancistrus Sp.
1 Endlicheri bichir: Polypterus endlicheri (you lads finally talked me into liking these things.)

 

[shamrock]

IMO too many fish

 

[aclockworkorange]

50% weekly water changes is normal.

 

[Industrial]

To me, that sounds like way too many fish that get way too big. Honestly, my 165 gallon aquarium is stocked lighter than that.

And yes 50% weekly water changes are not excessive. I try to do that to all of my tanks (except the heavily planted under stocked tanks where the plants need fish waste).

 

[DJ BIG T]

weekly water change is good..i do my tanks every 3 days!!!

 

[aclockworkorange]

I mean, if you're using a python (or python-like system) that attaches to your sink, a weekly 50% water change is no harder than a weekly 10% water change--it just takes longer.

 

[Maaso]

See, exactly what I wanted to hear....well not really since its bad news. But I wanted a more informed answer and you've provided just that! Thank you.

I read that needle fish are schooling fish so I figured they would be more comfortable in groups as opposed to being alone. I'm giving up on the American eel because I can't find a source for them anywhere....same with the rope fish. The peacock eels; I thought since they spend 90% of their time buried in the substrate they wouldn't leave much of a "foot print." Whiptails are cool, but I suppose I could downsize to a smaller species. I already have the pleco so he has no choice but to stay. And the bichir is just too cool not to have. So the new list would be as follows....

2 Needle fish -
1 Common whiptail -
1 Bristlnose pleco -
1 Endlicheri bichir -

OR.....

1 Needlefish -
2 or 3 "Freshwater" barracuda -
1 Common whiptail -
1 Bristlenose pleco -
1 Endlicheri bichir -

Those are both at 65-70% "capacity" according to the online calculator, with only ~25% water changes.

 

[Maaso]

weekly water change is good.

I understand water changes are good and required, I had it in my head that ~10% was the norm for weekly water changes....but I guess it really depends on the stock and bioload. When I saw the 50% water change I literally gasped because I thought that much of a change would alter the water quality and wash out that "good bacteria" we've all worked so hard to achieve.

 

[Industrial]

Good bacteria is in your filters and gravel, not your water column. The key is to not alter water chemistry by doing water changes. If you don't change enough water the chemistry changes, nitrates build up and pH can decrease in bad conditions. The key is to keep the tank the same parameters as your local water supply.

 

[MyGiants]

You got all bottom dwellers and couple that hang near the surface. That stock doesn't seem overstocked to me for a 80g tank. You going to add some fish the swim around the middle of the tank..