Yet Another Stocking Question Thread

[wendywc]

OK, so I have a 30 US gallon tank and the fish in my sig. I was thinking about adding 3 more glofish, a female bristlenose, and 5 glass catfishes. Too much??

I would love to also add a few cardinal tetras, but I know that would push it over.

 

[Cheese Specialist]

Not IMO in terms of crowding but how are your water stats? Do your water changes cover the rise in NitrAte between changes? You might want to up your changes or at least keep an eye out if adding another plec as these are messy fish.

Although, can I suggest 6 or 4 glass cats as they like to be in even groups (they like current incidently).

The glo fis will be happier in a bigger group.



Edit: Actually I never noticed the mollies. You might be pushing it a bit on that level. How long is your tank?

 

[wendywc]

Oh, so 3 more glofish [total of 8] and adding 6 glass cats would be okay? I have my test kit, but no nitrate tester, just nitrite was in the kit. I'll go buy some, so I can keep an eye on that too. My ammonia is 0, ph is 7, and nitrite is 0.

In case anyone has signatures off, here's my tank right now:
1 male bristlenose pleco, 6 mollys, 5 glofish zebra danios

EDIT: My tank is 30" X 12" x 20". I have a bubble wall on the back and an Eclipse III hood that has two water outlets.

 

[wendywc]

Anyone?

I don't want to crowd my tank, but I really want 3 more glofish and 6 glass cats.

 

[Cheese Specialist]

I'd suggest monitoring your nitrate for a couple fo water changes before adding glass cats but glo fish should be fine. Check that your water changes are covering the rise in nitrate between changes. IMO that is the best indicator of being overstocked, under filtered or maintained.

In terms of actual overcrowding, only you can judge that as we can't see what your tank looks like unless you have posted pics. Have you incidently? Only you can see how much room the fish have and so on.

 

[wendywc]

Well, I'm leaving my 30 gallon with what I have now: 1 bristlenose, 6 mollys, and (now) 8 glofish danios. I picked up a nitrate tester and it was a little high; 80 instead of 40 or lower. But I have 3 plants that will be put in the tank tomorrow, so I hope that lessens the nitrates.

Anyway, I picked up a 55 gallon! So I'll have room later for those glass cats that I want. And just when I'm happy with the 30 gallon setup, my white molly looks pregnant. Oh no, I don't think I'm ready for fry.