Overstocked or Understocked? You Decide

[Pyramid_Party]

In a 55 gal I got a 6/7 inch Black Ghost Knife, 4 inch Common Pleco, 3 inch Jewel Cichlid. Plants and hiding spots, filtered by an AC 110 and a Marineland/Penguin 350.

Is it overstocked, just fine, or understocked? Could I fit maybe another small cichlid in there that maxes out at 4-6 inch?

 

[stingray94]

everything looks good, except for the common pleco will need a bigger tank.

nevermind didn't know that BGK's got to be 18", I agree with Druu-your going to need a bigger tank.

 

[Druu]

BGKs get to 18"+
Common Pleco will get 22"+

Get a new tank.

 

[Flash]

Under.

 

[Pyramid_Party]

Yeah, Pleco will probably be removed later. Theres plenty of people who've kept BGKs in 55s, and as far as I know, BGKs dont really reach 18-20 inch as they say they will.

 

[Cichlaholics Anonymous]

I'd leave it as it is, I wouldn't risk another cichlid due to possible aggression

 

[12 Volt Man]

understocked. at least compared to me

 

[Toodleypops]

the only reason i voted overstocked (which you're not) is because the pleco later obviously but with the type of fish that a BGK is, they are best of in a solitary tank...or with a few slow moving tank mates...

Now someone correct me if im wrong but BGK's along with elephant nose and baby whales have this electric pulsing thingy which helps them see (kinda like sonar) and find food, so when there are several other things moving around near them, it stresses them out a lot.... i may be wrong but im pretty sure its correct.

but i mean hey if its working out no need to change right , i think you could throw another fish in there no prob just stick to a calmer more mellow one

 

[pdbrady]

You're understocked. But you will need a bigger tank. The knife WILL get too large for that tank, but you have time. The pleco is an obvious "must move", and if the plants are live he will obliterate them. You'll have to be careful adding one more cichlid, as the jewel may take notice and go after it. I'd think more along the lines of something non-cichlid. Something calm.

 

[Cichlaholics Anonymous]

the only reason i voted overstocked (which you're not) is because the pleco later obviously but with the type of fish that a BGK is, they are best of in a solitary tank...or with a few slow moving tank mates...

Now someone correct me if im wrong but BGK's along with elephant nose and baby whales have this electric pulsing thingy which helps them see (kinda like sonar) and find food, so when there are several other things moving around near them, it stresses them out a lot.... i may be wrong but im pretty sure its correct.

but i mean hey if its working out no need to change right , i think you could throw another fish in there no prob just stick to a calmer more mellow one

you are correct, it something that is usually recommended, I imagine the exception would be schooling species