tshere
Aquarium Advice Apprentice
I have had my 20 gallon saltwater tank going for about 6 weeks. I currently have a Percula Clown, a Clarkii Clown, a Black Saddleback Clown, and a Neon Velvet Damsel. Is my tank overstocked?
Over the limit by any stretch of the imagination with 17” of adult fish in a 20 gal tank. Even if this was fresh water then it would be pushing the 1” per gal rule much less the 1” per 5 gal general rule that applies to saltwater fish.Lagger said:Not overstocked but at the limit. Just keep up good filtration and you'll be fine. Clowns aren't too messy.
tecwzrd said:If it’s a 20 gal long you would be fine if you took the Clarkii Clown back to the lfs. The clarkii gets up to 6” versus the 4” of the other clowns you have and imo is too much for a 20 long.
If it’s 20 high you should scale back your fish selections even more due to the lower oxygen exchange that occurs in high tanks.
Over the limit by any stretch of the imagination with 17” of adult fish in a 20 gal tank. Even if this was fresh water then it would be pushing the 1” per gal rule much less the 1” per 5 gal general rule that applies to saltwater fish.Lagger said:Not overstocked but at the limit. Just keep up good filtration and you'll be fine. Clowns aren't too messy.
“good filtration” is only good as long as you have power. With this many fish in a small tank they would start to suffocate within 4 hours at adult size if the power went out. I have a generator and I only have 14” of fish in a 55 gal which I consider “my limit”
Lagger said:I respect you've decided to stock your tank conservatively, but that does not mean everyone who has the ability to care for their aquarium in excess of the 1" fish:5gal rule should.
tecwzrd said:Lagger said:I respect you've decided to stock your tank conservatively, but that does not mean everyone who has the ability to care for their aquarium in excess of the 1" fish:5gal rule should.
Some would even say I’m overstocked being that I have over 11” of fish but I do have excellent filtration and perform weekly 10% pwc.
You have a great looking 20 gal reef tank and I agree that the rule can be stretched if the aquarist is experienced and has a decent sized sump/filtration/skimmer/UPS. The Clarkii Clown in a 20 gal is ok if it was the only fish or with one smaller fish but my recommendation was based on the fact that he/she has 3 other fish two of which are other clowns which will lead to aggression issues in such a small tank.
Even as juveniles the fish are close to 6”-8” which for just starting out is asking for trouble with such a new tank.
Since this is tshere first post (in the getting started forum) and is asking if the tank is overstocked I would have to assume that he/she is more of a novice aquarist also and being such would be well advised to follow the 1” per 5 gal rule until they have gained sufficient experience to exceed that rule.
Without further information such as whether the tank was cycled prior to adding the fish or if he/she if cycling the tank with the fish I still think returning the Clarkii (only because it’s the largest possible adult fish) is necessary for long term success and once a lager tank, sufficient filtration, & experience is reached then consider adding more fish.