Should I Add Any More?

[kamii011]

About 6 months ago, I was given a duo-hexagonal tank, aprox. 35L from a friend and moved some of my fish in there from another tank. It has sand substrate, a few plants (fairly densely planted in one side) and an ornament. It also has 4 air stones to help oxygenate.
It doesn't have a filter but I do water changes every 2-3 days using API Stress-coat and Stress-zyme, or Nutrafin Cycle. I test my water every month or two and I've always had good results, nor have I ever lost a fish due to water quality. It's kept at 26 degrees celcius.

The tank currently houses 2 (small) Bristlenose Catfish, 3 Silver-tip tetra, 3 Female Bettas and a Male Betta. The last fish was added about 2 months ago

I was considering adding two or three more fish of another species to the tank. I'm very keen on getting some Ram cichlids but was unsure to the compatability with my current fish, and wether or not adding any more fish will be overstocking the tank.
At first glance it appears there's plenty of space but I don't want to put strain on the water quality or such. Any advice or suggestions would be much appreciated, ta

 

[Cazgar]

I would say you're overstocked as it is, so wouldn't recommend adding any more fish.
I would also suggest that having male & female Bettas together isn't a good idea as they can fight & could be stressed in such a small tank
You could also do with a filter, as water changes every 2/3 days isn't enough especially as you have plecs.
As you're running airstones, why not get a couple of sponge filters, that would help with the water quality

 

[kamii011]

Thanks I'll keep that in mind, although they do all get on spectacularly so stress doesn't appear to be a problem.
I think it looks so empty as the Bettas generally stay in one hexagon so the other side is often void of fish!

Also, I do plan to get a filter, just keep forgetting, which is very naughty of me; my old stingray filter upped and died about a month ago.

 

[samorkel]

Definitely do not get any more fish until you have a filter and it is already heavily overstocked imo

 

[kamii011]

Okay thank you. Just did an online calculater and it's actually 40L, but that's no real difference
I may move a catfish and the tetra to my empty 25L tank until I get a filter set up on it

 

[samorkel]

Please tell me this tank is cycled

and still that is even smaller for those poor bristlenose catfish even for the tetra's as that is way to small for them to swim around in a comfortable size school.

Please take your fish and give them to someone with the facilities till you get a bigger thank

Possibly the betta's and the tetra could stay in the 40l once it has a filter and they will need 50% water changes once a day until it is cycled I would say.

 

[The Taffy Apple]

Something like this would get you on the right track--> http/www.ebay.co.uk/itm/600LPH-Internal-Filter-Power-Head-Aquarium-Fish-Tank-Filtration-Oxygenator-/110804465303?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item19cc75f697

As was mentioned, you really do need to get a filter.. and if you do then you need to 'cycle' it, but as you are currently so used to doing such frequent water changes then it wouldn't be an issue for you, i guess

Terry.

 

[Dazzler666]

Agree, you need a filter ASAP me thinks and also wouldnt add any more fish .... Sorry!! . Defo very frequent water changes till filter is set up too.

 

[kamii011]

I'm not too bothered that I cant add anymore fish; just wanted to know wether I could or not XD

I should be able to get hold of a filter in the next couple days (if not tomorrow) so will get on and do that.
Due to the fact that my most recent water test (post-filter) was a-ok, I would say that I do have an establised bacterial colony in the tank. I've been trying to do water changes every other day (30-40%) and will continue to do so after adding a new filter until cycled.

 

[The Taffy Apple]

Unfortunately not, no. The colony that we need lives in our filters on 'media'. Yes, some will grow in our substrate, but no-where near what we need to keep our water (and ultimately, fish) healthy.
If and when you do get this filter, you need to research a 'fish-in' cycle, and be prepared to have to continue your regular water changes.

Terry.

 

[kamii011]

Ahh I see. I will do, thank you for you advice, may actually order the filter you posted later on.
I'm totally happy to continue with water changes. I used to have an open topped Betta/Shrimp tank which had terrible evaporation and so I've been in the habit doing so since then

 

[The Taffy Apple]

Ahh I see. I will do, thank you for you advice, may actually order the filter you posted later on.
I'm totally happy to continue with water changes. I used to have an open topped Betta/Shrimp tank which had terrible evaporation and so I've been in the habit doing so since then

...and have a little look in the section labelled "members willing to donate media". This is the easiest and safest way to get those bacteria growing in your new filter. Please don't think that simply adding a filter will keep your fish alive.

Terry.

 

[kamii011]

Oh no, I completely understand that, I just know that it plays an important role in maintaining a healthy aquarium.
I do try to be careful monitoring nitrite levels, temperature and etc on a regular basis and will continue to do so with a filter, it'll just put my mind to rest a little more having one on the tank after a few weeks without.
I'm also going to consider moving the tetra to my old tank to give the bettas more space