Update

[ravekiss]

I'm trying to balance my 20g nicely with out it being overstocked...I currently have in there (as my sign. says):

5 Fancy Guppies
4 Corys
2 Black Mollies
3 Platys
3 Swordtails
12 tiny fry in a floating breeder (which I will give away when they're big enough)

I recently gave away my Neon Gourami, Serpae Tetra & my 2 ottos.
Am I still overstocked?

 

[Skylar]

I don't think you are overstocked, but if you are, probably not by much. =)

 

[rdd1952]

If you're doing frequent water changes, you may be ok. That's still 17 fish - about 40" or more - in a 20 gallon tank so I'd say you are definitely still overstocked. I only have 21 fish plus 2 shrimp in my 29 gallon and feel like I am over stocked so I do weekly water changes alternating 5 gallon (15%) one week and 10 gallon (30%) the next week.

 

[Erised]

I'd say you're fine there Very slightly overstocked, but most fish there dont have a big bioload, so it's alright to be slightly overstocked. As long as you'll keep up the water changes, and make sure none of the fry will stay in your tank, you'll be alright

 

[ravekiss]

Oke here's the update on my 20g...please tell me is not overstocked (even a little):

4 Corys
4 Fancy Guppies
3 Swords
2 Platys
2 Black mollies

I also have 15 fry in a breeder but like I said I will give them away once they are bigger. If I can I'd like to keep 2-3 of them though.

 

[lovebuzz]

Just a wee bit overstocked still. You might want to give away the mollies as they prefer brackish water anyways.

 

[OohFeeshy]

Yes, them if anything, plus I think they are the biggest thing in your tank. They can get up to 4in.

 

[nc_nutcase]

I've heard that 1 inch of fish per gallon is a good ratio for community fish. The more decor/caves/hiding areas you have the more fish you can happily house.

First question I would ask is do your fish seem happy? Do they seem to fight or nip a lot. If they seem unhappy or are overly aggressive for their species then definitely downsize your stock. If not, then your half way to safe.

The second thing I would ask is how are your ammonia / nitrate / nitrite levels? If your filtration is handling the bioload of your fish you have the second half of safe.

You may want to adjust your stock to the 20 inches of fish theory to increase their happiness (happy fish are healthy fish and or vise versa).

Just my two sense, but what do I know about community fish... I'm a cichlid keeper...

 

[ravekiss]

First question I would ask is do your fish seem happy? Do they seem to fight or nip a lot.
They get along great..no problems

The second thing I would ask is how are your ammonia / nitrate / nitrite levels? If your filtration is handling the bioload of your fish you have the second half of safe.

All levels are good. Ammonia 0, Nitrites 0, Nitrates (cant remember exactly), PH 7.0

I really like the mollies, I'd hate to get rid of them.

 

[nc_nutcase]

sounds to me like you have a happy stable tank...

My Grandmother would tell you "if it's not broke don't fix it..."... and Granny was a pretty smart lady