Question about being overstocked....

[gfink]

What are the consequences of being overstocked? Aside from possible crowding, what really happens?
Does the nitrogen cycle break down and you start to get readable ammonia and nitrite levels? Or is it that the nitrates build up so fast that you are always doing water changes?

FYI...I have approximated the 1inch fish/gal rule and I am pretty much fully stocked. I don't plan on adding any more to the tank.

One weird observation since adding the 3 cories....my eclipse filter gets clogged up in about 2 weeks now instead of 4. I also have more algea in the tank now, but I think that started when I began supplimenting my plants. I have since stopped to see if it goes away. The algea is on my glass, old plant leaves and wood.

 

[BillD]

That rule is okay if the fish are small enough, and it is only a guide lin. However, if you want to put it in perspective, consider this; are 5, 2" long tetras equal to one 10" oscar? That illustrates the problem with the rule. Over stocking, in simple terms will lead to faster buildup of nitrates and assorted DOCs, assuming you have adequate filtration. This is when more frequent and laeger water changes come in. You could say the rule for stocking should be how many inches of fish you are willing to look after properly. I have grown angels to quarter or slightly larger body size at the rate of 10" per gallon, by doing daily 60% PWC. Would I recommend this? Absolutely not, but at the time I didn't have a lot of choice and made it work. If you are able to keep good , low nitrate levels with your present routine, than you are not overstocked. If you are overstocked, change more water, more often or get rid of some fish. As far as the corys go, they are probably stirring stuff up off the bottom that is now getting to the filter.

 

[gfink]

Thanks, I understand that fish volume is more accurate than length. I just left that out to keep it short.

Sounds like I was thinkning along the same lines as you when you said "should be how many inches of fish you are willing to look after properly."

Nitrates have been very managable so far. I do 25-30% one a week and have been able to keep things steady.

they are probably stirring stuff up off the bottom that is now getting to the filter.

Ding! Good point. Crazy little guys are like vaccuums.

 

[talloulou]

as well as making the aquarium harder to maintain...overstocking can lead to stressed out fish and stress lowers the immune system making them more prone to all kinds of disease.

 

[talloulou]

5 zebra danios = 10 inches
4 red eye tetras = 12 inches
4 platies= 8 inches
2 otos= 3 inches
2 dwarf gouramis= 4 inches
3 albino cory cat = 6 inches

Full grown you will have 43 inches of fish. So basically you need to make sure you do alot of pwc. And keep your eye out looking for signs of stress. If the fish are colorful and active they are fine. If they look stressed(inactive & faded colors) or they are crashing in to each other then you may have to thin the herd a little. LOL And of course I wouldn't add anything else to this tank.

 

[gfink]

Thanks. That is why I am asking these questions so I can keep and eye on these guys. I can always split them up and begin MTS. 8)

 

[BillD]

LOL. That is how MTS starts. You are on the right track with your reasoning. Most people are overstocked. Some deal with it some don't; you seem prepared to. Don't be afraid to do a bigger water change (50% or more). My thoughts on water chanchanges were altered by a video of Dr. joanne Norton, taken at a convention where she said her fish have to lay on their sides to stay wet, because she changes about 98% of the water each time. I generally change at least 50%, which reminds me, that I need to change about 100 gals tonight. Good luck.