Am I Exceeding The Bio Load?

[ManWTHePlan14]

I have a 29 Gal Tank with 2 pictus,6 cherry barbs,6 tiger barbs,and 2 yoyo loaches-I want to add 5 snakeskin barbs but I don't know if that is an ok idea with the size of the tank. I don't want to crowd or exceed the bio load either. Most of the fish are full grown now(except the cats,but they are getting close) and I have never had a problem with anything except maybe a few deaths when I first started the tank. I love my fish and I don't want them to be uncomfortable,but I really like the snakeskins especially since they don't pass 2 inches and are a playful fish. PLEASE HELP!!??

 

[Miss Wiggle]

swimming space wise you probably have room, what you need to determine is if you're filter can handle the extra bio load. do a large water change then measure the nitrate afterwards, then measure the nitrate 1 week later, if it's gone up by about 25/30ppm in a week then the tank is full, if it's less than that then you're filter can handle some more bio load. obviously you'll need to make a judgement call how much extra stock you have room for. Obviously if it goes up by 10ppm you've room for a fair bit more, if its gone up by 20ppm you've not as much room.

 

[ManWTHePlan14]

swimming space wise you probably have room, what you need to determine is if you're filter can handle the extra bio load. do a large water change then measure the nitrate afterwards, then measure the nitrate 1 week later, if it's gone up by about 25/30ppm in a week then the tank is full, if it's less than that then you're filter can handle some more bio load. obviously you'll need to make a judgement call how much extra stock you have room for. Obviously if it goes up by 10ppm you've room for a fair bit more, if its gone up by 20ppm you've not as much room.

Went up by around 10ppm-so does that mean i'm good for a small school of snakeskins?

 

[Colin_T]

Miss Wiggle hit it on the head. If your nitrates only went up by 10ppm in a week and you are happy doing regular water changes & gravel cleans to compensate for that, then go for it and add the snakeskins.

Can you post some pics of the snakeskins because I have never seen a snakeskin barb.