How do you feel about tanks that are overstocked but have double or triple the filtration than they need? I want to make a 100g clown loach tank with 25-30 2" loaches. I'm going to put an eheim 2217 and fx5 on it. What do you think? I figure since they grow so slowly and Im over filtered for a 100g tank that it might work.
Overstocked tank with super heavy filtration?
- Thread starter johnnycoolxx
- Start date
Personally that sounds like too many fish in a 100g tank, but as long as you are keeping up with plenty of water changes you should be ok.
I honestly see no harm in it when the loaches are young. I've heard that they can get to 10-12" but it takes many years to reach that size. I say go for it. Chances are, you'll probably get bored with the idea and get rid of some or all of them before they become too big the tank.
Loaches are slow growers, however they have big appetites. More food equals more waste... Your tank really isn't over filtered as you plan..maybe in regards to turn over ratio... however FX is a good mech filter not good for bio. Baskets are too small,,skip the Eheim and add a large sump to increase your 100 gallon holding capacity.. Then water changes, water changes water changes...
Assuming you get 30 2" clown loaches that are a guesstimate .5" wide, your fish will use 30sq in of tank space. Let's assume your fish double in size and are 4"Lx1"W. That is 120sq in of fish. If your 100g is a 60x18 you have 1080 sq in of room for your bottom dwelling loaches to swim in. If you divide tank space by fish, at 4", mathematically, your loaches will only be entitled to 9sq in of free swimming space. The bigger the fish grow, the smaller their swim space becomes. I know that isn't 100% accurate statement, but it gives you a little bit of an idea.
FX5 and 2217 is not that much filtration in a 100 gallon. I have an FX5, 2028 and Rena XP3, along with a Maxijet 600 with the sureflow mod and a Koralia 2 in my 125 and do 2x 60% water changes a week and it's barely adequate, but the tank is heavily planted and I have a lot of plecos (poop machines) in it.
2wheelsx2;4670395; said:
You have more than enough filtration. More than what is needed actually. If you have nitrates over 10ppm I would seriously be surprised.Fx5 is plenty on a 100g tank. Full of media, it gives a little over a 6x's turnover rate.
I think tanks that are overstocked but clean are called Japanese style tanks. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Dr_Shakalu;4670793; said:
JDM if I'm not mistaken. Although, I don't know the whole meaning behind it.