overstocking planted tanks, is there anything really wrong with it?

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Prometheus

Prometheus

Candiru
MFK Member
Jun 9, 2008
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I want to know what ya'll think about this. I have issues with what most people say are proper stocking levels, even in a planted tank. it seems to me that it is possible to greatly overstock a tank if well planted and filtrated and still keep the fish alive and prosperous. I am presently upgrading my 10 gallon tank into my 20 long and I'm wanting to add a good number of other fish once that is done. but id like some feedback first.

here's where my issue lies. personal experience: my 10G, the way it is set up now, is well lit and planted, the filter on it is rated for a 20G, and I am well "overstocked". despite this, all my fish seem happy and healthy. their colors are bright, a number of them are even chubby, they arent lethargic, and they all seem to get along very well with one another. here's my stoking list:
2x cory cats
10x ember tetras
7x black kuhli loaches
1x banjo catfish
1x betta
1x ramshorn snail
?x trumpet snails, no idea how many... just know iv got a lot

so, there you have my personal experience. and yes this tank has been running for quite some time now so I don't think it is a fluke that this happy equilibrium is happening, it is a stable environment. I havent lost any fish in this tank in... well now that I think about it, I can't remember the last time I lost a fish in it, its been that long ago, if ever.

so why is it that some people would absolutely have a fit with me for having such high stocking levels.... if the fish are fine? is there something I'm missing? no flaming here please I'm looking for real answers.

once upgraded to the 20 I'm wanting to add more plants to further help with biological filtration and then, systematically - not all at once I know- add more fish. this will happen at a steady pace so as to allow the beneficial bacteria time to adjust. I also plan on adding a second filter just to add more space for their colonies. additional stocking ideas for the upgrade include:

1x peacock eel (already have in QT awaiting upgrade)
2x cory cats (already have in QT awaiting upgrade)
10x ember tetras
6 - 10x rummy nose tetras

(I might keep the betta, banjo cat, and black kuhli loaches in the 10 gallon and just have 2 community tanks if this overstocking turns out to be too much after all)

now you have the whole story, what do ya'll think about this subject and what are yalls opinions on my 20G's planned stocking list?
 
if the fish are happy, why not? However, a peacock eel cannot live in a 20 gallon tank for life. There are people on here with peacock eels the size of your arm. they can get longer than your tank, and could east all of your fish.
 
Prometheus;2497524; said:
so why is it that some people would absolutely have a fit with me for having such high stocking levels.... if the fish are fine? is there something I'm missing? no flaming here please I'm looking for real answers.
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Well, for the most part, they often think the space involved is already tight. Secondly, with the number of fish in it, bioload comes to mind. Many people think that with that many fish, the bioload is more than the tank size can handle. What they are forgetting is the fact tetras and kuhlis contribute very little bioload. The size alone tells it all. To me, a 4 inch kuhli would be classified as a 2-inch tetra.

Thirdly, some people tend to be narrow minded. If your tank is heavily planted and you're pretty much consistent with your maintenance, I do not see why you cannot do it.

once upgraded to the 20 I'm wanting to add more plants to further help with biological filtration and then, systematically - not all at once I know- add more fish. this will happen at a steady pace so as to allow the beneficial bacteria time to adjust. I also plan on adding a second filter just to add more space for their colonies. additional stocking ideas for the upgrade include:

1x peacock eel (already have in QT awaiting upgrade)
2x cory cats (already have in QT awaiting upgrade)
10x ember tetras
6 - 10x rummy nose tetras
Click to expand...
Well, you can add the cories and tetras but not the peacock eel. Consider the tank size. A 30g wold be the minimum IMO. These are also predatory fish so expect your fish to decline in numbers. They will never work well with kuhlis either.
 
badisbadis101;2497858; said:
if the fish are happy, why not? However, a peacock eel cannot live in a 20 gallon tank for life. There are people on here with peacock eels the size of your arm. they can get longer than your tank, and could east all of your fish.
Click to expand...

This information is incorrect, peacock eels do not grow larger than 12" in THE WILD, around 5-7" is average for a tank (mine is 10 inches). You are thinking about fire eels there my friend.
 
im hoping she wolnt. maybe i should give her up to a good home but i just dont know. i dont want to. just play it by ear i guess.
 
Its really hard to argue with success, just by hearing you talk i can see that you pay a LOT of attention to your tank, Which to me answers why youre getting by with overstocking. Lots of plants relatively small fish, probably frequent water changes, which in itself gets rid of lots of bio-load. We all cant afford 500 gallon tanks but there is no reason if you want to spend the time it takes to insure that a small tank is properly maintained, that you cant get by with overstocking.
 
Don't forget how much the trumpet snails help with the cleaning. Ever since I added them to my tank my Ammano shrimp are constantly on the hunt to find something to eat. They actually have to come to the top at feeding time. Before I added the MTS I was lucky if I even saw one in the open. The sand has never looked cleaner. Amazing little clean up crew.
 
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