A little overstocked but happy

[Incitic]

So far I have had my little 6 gallon tank for a month. In it are 6 little tetras (4 neon, 2 pristella) that happily swim about in it. According to some fish calculators I have seen I am overstocked by about one tetra. However, tetras are schooling fish and would stick quite close together anyway. So far, I have had the new fish for around 2 and a half weeks. When I got them I was a real newbie and put all 5 of the new fish in straight away. Luckily, nothing has happened and everything seems fine. The fish seem happy and are getting used to the tank quite quickly. So far I have had no casualities but after reading some stuff on this forum Im a bit worried about the risk of disease and such since I dont have any other tanks to quarantine any fish if they get sick. I would like to get a new bigger tank but I've only had this one for a month and even though my dad would also like a bigger tank he thinks its a bit too early to be thinking about it now.

Is there anything that I should be wary about?

 

[Crookster]

I don't think your overstocked. I have much more than that in an 8 gallon and all is ok. I must admit though I've never heard of a pristella, I presume it's a small tetra?

How long has your tank been running now?

 

[Nina7777]

you should be fine as long as you stay on top of your tests, and water changes.

and obviously don't add anything else!

 

[dixaisy930]

I don't know a ton about tetras, but I don't think they are considerd "messy" fish, so they shouldn't put a heavy strain on the bioload. Usually being over by a fish or two won't send your tank into a tailspin. Like everyone else said, just keep an eye on the parimeters, and I don't think you'll have a problem.

 

[Jen]

I must admit though I've never heard of a pristella, I presume it's a small tetra?

Pristella tetra... also known as the X-ray tetra. Pretty much see through, with yellow and black splotches on dorsal and anal fins.

Pristella Tetra

Easy to keep. I had no problems with them. Get about 1 inch. I think you'll be just fine with what you have in there.

 

[Incitic]

Thanks for the advice guys, since I dont have a water testing kit I was a bit worried about the condition of the water. Usually I do 50% water changes every two weeks, but Im going to start doing 25% each week. Do keep it nice and clean

 

[Jen]

If you take a water sample to most LFS they will test the water for you free of charge

 

[Nina7777]

Thanks for the advice guys, since I dont have a water testing kit I was a bit worried about the condition of the water. Usually I do 50% water changes every two weeks, but Im going to start doing 25% each week. Do keep it nice and clean

great idea! Small water changes more frequently are definately better than larger ones less often!

 

[Eve]

Oh pristellas are lovely little fish. I had a few gold tipped ones, they are so checky in comparison to other tetras, more bold. But very pretty.

 

[Incitic]

If you take a water sample to most LFS they will test the water for you free of charge

I realise that, I just think its a good idea to have one. So you can take the tests yourself and when you want to

I love my pristellas. One of them was the only survivor of my first batch of fish. Tough little one