overstocking natts?

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dmopar74

Peacock Bass
MFK Member
Mar 24, 2006
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Tri cities washington
ive always followed the 20g per natt "rule", but after reading some threads about how overstocking seems to work so well im considering getting back into the game. the tank i am planning on using is a 6x18x18 100g and am wondering how many natts i can hold in it?
 
Well the main concern is water quality in my opinion. Some people argue with aggression, and they may be right, but I have never personally seen any issues.

I would say 6 or 7, maybe 8 if you can attain pristine water quality. Another general issue with tank size is footprint, and your natts are never going to be crammed with 18" width.

I think the "max" anyone else will tell you is 5.
 
In your tank the width is the problem. I know someone that has 19 (yes 19) cariba in a 7ft tank with no problems and they range from 8" upwards.
Personally I think its too much but he's trying it and winning so far. Good on him!
 
I got 13 in a 125 all ranging from 5-7"+ As long as I keep them feed everyday they are fine with each other. I have yet to have a death. And no real bites except for fins every one in awhile. They do end up with bites on the face from time to time but it's usually from competing for food but never anything major.

I plan on keeping them in this tank till either one gets killed or they all make it to 9" then Ill sell some off.
 
I have 10 in a 120 gallon, they all have perfect fins, no nips at all. I am feeding them 90% pellets.
 
I have 11 in that same sized tank. The largest is nearly 7". I feed them everyday. They normally stay together on one side of the tank, so they have tons of room if they want it. I have three filters on the tank. Two AC110 and one fluidized filter. I do weekly gravel cleaning with 25% water changes. The water is crystal clear.
 
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