Tank Overstocked?

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fred

Aquarium Advice Freak
Joined
Oct 20, 2010
Messages
436
Location
Canada
Need some advice on what to do next ;)
I have a 55g currently stocked with 1 clown loach (about 4in), 2x parrott cichilids (3-4 in in length), 1 silver dollar (full grown) and 2 common pleco (both about 4-6 in in length) I used the AqAdvisor and it's telling me the tank is seriously overstocked. Saying that I've had these fish together for 2 years. I originally bought the tank used (with those fish and more together) The previous owner had those same fish for about 2 years and the owner before that for a few years...so in a nutshell they've been together for a long time :p When I first purchased the tank it had the fish mentioned above plus another pleco (about 6-8 inches), 3 angels (they weren't very big), 2 tiger barbs and 8 little grey fish (I called them river barbs...don't really know what they were, however they got eaten by the cichilids) I knew nothing about fish when I bought the tank, but have obviously learned alot since. Now what next...Can I hold off seperating them if it's working? I will not get a bigger tank for a few years at least (no room right now) Pleaase let me know what you think???
 
AqAdvisor is a great tool for a "general rule of thumb" ..... but its by no means 100% accurate... a lot of factors come into play that it doesnt consider.... BigJim will back me up on this one...

what type of filtration do you have on the tank?
 
I use AqAdvisor for entertainment purposes only. ;)

That said, the tank will become massively overstocked as your fish continue to grow. The common plecos have to potential to reach 2 ft in length with proper care.
 
I figured as much, but it's saying my tank is at 246% capacity (you'd never know by looking at the tank...lol) I have a Rena Filstar xp (for up to 70g) The fish are really healthy, although the Cichilids are becoming a little more aggressive these days.
 
I use AqAdvisor for entertainment purposes only. ;)

That said, the tank will become massively overstocked as your fish continue to grow. The common plecos have to potential to reach 2 ft in length with proper care.
Good to know :)
 
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