Bioload too much?

[Endgame319]

I recently returned some fish, and my 25g is looking a little empty. Currently there is 8 tiger barbs, 2 serpae tetras, and a rainbow shark in there. I would like to get 4 more serpaes but I think it would be going overload bio-load wise. I have an aquaclear 150 filter and do once a week 25% water changes.

[BrianNY]

IMO adding another filter makes your want more then possible. I'd also add a sponge prefilter on your intake tubes to increase the "good" bacteria colonies.

[Madame_X]

I think you could do it if you keep up with your water changes. I have a pretty hefty fishload in my 30 gallon tank, but its heavily planted which helps a lot with the bio-filtration.

Consider a bio-wheel filter for good biological filtration.

[TankGirl]

I say go ahead, because those serpaes will be so much happier. Keep on top of your water changes and follow the suggestions above, and it should work.

[patryuji]

Filtration may not be a problem but I wonder if the fish will become more aggressive as tank space becomes more limited.

[Endgame319]

The hood on my tank doesnt have room for another hob filter, are there any other options?

[patryuji]

Sponge filter with an air pump and airline. Do you have a space under the hood for an airline to come in?

[BrianNY]

The best option would actually be a small cannister filter.

[Menagerie]

I agree with BrianNY.
Prior to the move up here, there were 22 fish (tetras, Bolivian rams, pleco…) in the 29 gal. (Oh, I forgot! Before that, we had the cichlids and catfish in there--14 fish [2-4� each] altogether using a Magnum 350 filter. 8O )
During the move, the Magnum broke and was replaced by a Fluval 104. Once up here, I had more bioload (8 assorted Cory Cats, Rubber Lip Pleco, 2 Bolivian Rams, 2 Kuhli Loaches, Butterfly Loach, 3 Silver-tip Tetras, 2 Serpae Tetra, young convict cichlid (growing), 2 clown loaches (growing), 2 brichardi (just visiting) and 4 assorted “rounder� Tetras) and did not lose any. The tank was at that capacity for a month--the brichardi were territorial (an impulse buy, which was quickly rectified). They are now all very happy in a 50 gal (except the 2 brichardi--who got their own biotope tank).

Okay, I may not be the brightest crayon in the box , but with a great filter and proper habitats (hiding places, natural wood, fake plants…) your fish will be just fine—all 15 of them.

[Endgame319]

I think i'll go with the sponge filter, should I get the Lustar Sponge filter #2 or #3? And what air-pump would I need to run it?