Oops Am I Overstocked Now?

[Elena]

I went to the pet store today because I wanted a few more rummy nose tetras, I wanted a couple more to make my numbers up to 7. I also have 7 neon and 3 cory. When I got home I realised she had given me 5 instead of 2! So now I have 10 rummy nose. I'm just wondering if I'm overstocked now? My tanks 90l/23 gallon, should I take them back? I don't want to stress the fish out and bag them up again if I don't have to will I get away with that many fish?
 
Thanks in advance

 

[fluttermoth]

You are a bit on the overstocked side now, yes!
 
However, I don't think you need to worry too much. Just keep an eye on your nitrate levels, and make sure your water changes are big enough or frequent enough to keep it under control (aim for around 20ppm more than comes out of your tap, no higher).

 

[Elena]

Thanks for the reply, I've been pretty good about water changes because my tanks a fairly new set up, had it around 2 months now, I've been doing around 40% water changes every other day, I was hoping to cut down once my tank was more established though. What would you recommend now I have that many fish to keep the nitrates down?

 

[fluttermoth]

You can make sure you have plenty of live plants; they will use a certain amount of nitrate, but water changes are still the best way.
 
What sort of level of nitrate does your tank have and what's the level in your tap water? Do you ever see any ammonia or nitrite?

 

[Elena]

I think I'll take the extras back I really don't want to be overstocked and I was hoping to add a few shrimp and that would be out of the question if I kept them. I have quite a few plants so that's good. I have my water tested at the pet store I haven't got anything to test it myself, all I know that's its good I haven't lost a fish yet. I do need to invest in one though! Just got to keep up with the regular water changes.