Downsizing tank

[antgaitan]

Hey guys, first post here.
I currently have a 36 gallon that I bought with the intention of keeping a fully stocked community. Before I was able to make the mistake of buying a thousand fish, I shifted my focus on keeping a simple, under stocked bottom feeder tank. I currently have 6 Kuhli’s, 9 CRS, and plan on getting 6 Corys and more shrimp (MAYBE a handful of Otos, but the point of this downsizing is to keep my aquarium moderately to lowly stocked). I was wondering if downsizing to a 20 gallon long would be an issue in causing my current inhabitants stress. They would still have the same amount of space to swim in length wise, just not height, which I think would be fine considering I don’t have or intend on keeping mid/top level fish.
I also am aware that having a smaller tank will mean it may or not be harder to keep the bio filter stable, but i’m equipped to handle that if it becomes an issue.
Thanks!

 

[charliebankston]

Height does play a big factor with top and middle swimmers like you said. Or fish that get larger laterally, ie angels. But length plays a bigger part in fish movement anyway. As long as your current stocking doesn't over load the bio filtration of the 20 gallon I think you would be fine. Imo

 

[charliebankston]

Remember you'll have basically half the water volume for the same number of fish. Harder to keep nitrates, etc, in check. Just something to keep in mind

 

[antgaitan]

Height does play a big factor with top and middle swimmers like you said. Or fish that get larger laterally, ie angels. But length plays a bigger part in fish movement anyway. As long as your current stocking doesn't over load the bio filtration of the 20 gallon I think you would be fine. Imo

I’m really only gonna have my few Kuhlis and shrimp plus a small addition of fish (Debating between a few Corys or a Hillstream loach, hopefully both but separated by a good amount of time) + a hefty amount of shrimp. I have no intention in stocking the tank over 50%. So really my only concern should be keeping parameters in check! Thanks for helping me out with that.

 

[charliebankston]

Your welcome! And good luck, have fun