Overstocking?

Snow1576

Snow1576

AC Members
Oct 23, 2007
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Hi, all I have a 20 gallon Hex which just finished cycling. I currently have 4 albino corys, 3 platies, 2 white clouds and 2 rummy nose tetras. I am using a fluval canister filter.

My question is I would like to get a bristlenose pleco and 2 more rummynose tetras, but I know with a hex tank you don't have a lot of surface area. Would that be overstocking?
 
the only problem you may run into is that some bn's get larger than the 3-4" you see.

I have several albino bn's and these are generally smaller..however, I have 2 males that are over 5" and one is not closer to 6"
if you can find a female they tend to remain smaller.(more in the 4-maybe 5" range)
 
Before you get anything else, you have to fill out your schooling groups. Both of the fish you have need company, some pretty tight schoolers, especially the rummies. Get at least 4 more of each. Or, you could return one of the couples and get 6-8 of the remaining pair, then you could have your female BN (You could get 2 otos instead, a lot less waste, smaller, and great for algae).
 
ok so if I get 4 more rummies and 4 more white clouds and 1-2 otos would I then be overstocked? I already have 3 platies,4 albino corycats, 2 white clouds and 2 rummies.
 
Snow1576 said:
ok so if I get 4 more rummies and 4 more white clouds and 1-2 otos would I then be overstocked? I already have 3 platies,4 albino corycats, 2 white clouds and 2 rummies.
Click to expand...

Just overfilter a bit and you should be okay.
 
ok thanks a lot for your reply
 
over filtering will not help much in the way of removing TDS..which is a main concern when 'over stocking' water changes will help here.
I would also not recommend oto's in a newly established tank..unless you are having issued with Brown algae aka diatoms..which is a preferred source of food for otos.
at issue : if you run out of food..otos tend to be picky eaters and may not switch readily to prepared foods such as algae wafers and veggies. resulting in slow starvation.
they are much better off in a a well established tank.
also keep in mind that with the small footprint of the hex you also have a small footprint at the surface for gas exchange..over filtration may help a bit here.
 
you'll be fine with getting 4 more of each (white clouds and rummies). i'd suggest just leaving it at that.
 
I'd not suggest Rummies in a small hex tank personally. They like horizontal room. I'd suggest staying with the Bristlenose, skiping the Otos, removing the Rummies, and adding to the White Clouds. Just my 2 cents...
 
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