my partner and I moved in together last year and had to combine our tanks for our small apartment. This is a 40 gallon, but it's filtered like its 120 with a mix of sponge filter and a hang on back that I frankensteined myself because screw the packs that come with it. I've never done an overstocked tank so I wanted to be safe, incase people wonder why the filtration is a bit over the top. I am glad I did this, as the water doesnt require as many changes and the fish stay healthy. One terrestrial plant on the far left, the calla lilly, I'm not sure about and am keeping a close eye on but the rest of the plants are very happy and keeping the water pristine, and everyone gets along well. ideally when we move we would like to split this into two tanks so this is not permanent. I am curious what others think!
Posted by Riderlessgnat
5 Comments
You’d have to give a list of fish and numbers to get a better ok.
You can put your fish into aqadvisor.com to check yourself, but it doesn’t take into account planted tank.
Looks great and I wouldn’t call that overstocked none of those fish are very big. I would say more massive fish are the ones that overstock a tank like one 6 inch robust fish is gonna add more bioload than like 15 tetras
Imo how much you can overstock depends on filtration, obviously, but moreso the species. If they’re going to be stressed by crowds and commotion, even perfect water won’t keep them healthy.
Looks like everything you have are schooling fish, rainbows/tetras/rasbora, and they’re peaceful types. Numbers are safety for everyone you pick, so understocked is worse than overstocked, all other parameters being the same. I see a cory, I assume there are more, and again the presence of the other fish indicates safety. I think the gouramis are a good choice too (if you had to 😂) being very chill, and they’re the only ones there that prefer the top of the water.
Looks good to me friend! But I do have to ask and I need the truth. Were you, or were you not, the first choice for the female lead in the Notebook?
You are good! (Love her)
It’s ok, keep that filtration, plants are on low end to support this
Otherwise… beautiful
It looks great! Honestly there is so much that goes into what makes a tank overstocked or not it’s not a 1 size fits all scenario. A 40 gallon with lots of filtration media, plants and a good substrate can fit a lot more than a 40 gallon without it. Just keep a close eye on your parameters and fish behavior between the 2 you can tell if there is a problem.