Been Told I Am Overstocked...

[scottca]

Hi All,

A friend has informed me I maybe overstocked, however I dont believe I am and would like you guys to tell me either way as if I am, ill rectify it immediatly!

I keep up with my maintenance and my water tests are always good (0 ammonia and nitrite, about 30 nitrate - 20 of that is in the tap!).

I have a 180litre bow fronted, my stocking levels are:

5 Neon Rainbows
4 Red Phantoms
4 Black Phantoms
5 Pantazona Barbs
10 Mountain Minnows
3 Sterbai Corys
3 BN Plecs
2 dwarf Gourami's (not sure what kind, they were listed as "metallic gourami's" and are blue!)

Thanks all,

Craig

 

[Mr._Fishy]

If your water stats are good, your fish aren't cramped, and there aren't too many territorial issues, I'd say you're fine.

 

[Corleone]

When I showed my stock list to people at the local fish club, one told me I was badly overstocked, one told me I could do to add 15 or 20 inches of fish, more depending on the filter.

It comes down more to monitoring and maintenance than calculations, and your filter is clearly keeping up. It's possible to overstock without breaking any rules, and it's possible to break every rule there is without overstocking.

 

[scottca]

Thanks Guys,

Just wanted to make sure, I will stop worrying as my stats show my waters good and I dont have any problems with bullying etc, looking in the tank it actually looks empty so there must be room for them to swim happily

Regards,

Craig

 

[simonas]

looks fine to me and as the guys have said if you maintain water should be no problems. my sons community is overstocked but I change water every week and its the best working tank in the house

 

[Genesis]

Your stocking sounds fine!
They're just overreacting!
As long as you do regular water changes and have standard/good filtration you should be alright