Overstocking..

[rabbut]

I forgot to mention the what if's because as Tolak has said, overstocking is fine while everything works, but as soon as something stops working, things start to go wrong very quickly. An alternative to a Generator to keep the juice flowing is a UPS power supply like the type used on computer systems.

UPS systems are great for short (less that 1hour) power cuts, but they aren't a solution to longer cutts, as they are designed to run only for a few minuites with low power draining appliences, and heating and filtration in a tank will quickly drain the power cell of these devices. IMO, a generator is the best way to go with tanks over 60l, but you may get away with it on smaller systems Battery operated air pumps are ideal for some power cuts, as they are cheap to buy, and small to store, for that just-in-case scenario. They will suffice for arroung 12 hours, if you throw the filter media into the tank uppon power failure, to keep it with food and oxygen

All the best
Rabbut

 

[chibi]

I think people are really, really picky about overstocking. I've got 34 fish in my 29 gallon. Granted they're all on the small side, it sounds crowded, but it really doesn't look like it. Fish aren't bumping into each other or dying or anything. I clean it once every 2-3 weeks. I've got a 10-30 gallon filter. I think the key is as long as you keep it clean, your fish will be fine. Unless you have like 50 fish in a 10 gallon or something. THAT'S overstocked. 35 in a 29? Nothing to get worked up over.

 

[LolaLouie]

Hi thanks for all your advice but I have to confess I'm now suffering from MTS.. i just bought a 200l tank yesterday!