Temporarily adding to Bioload Question

scottracy

scottracy

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Jan 3, 2004
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Can I temporarily house 9 one-inch platy safely in my 55g community tank with my current bioload?

4-Red Skirt Tetras
7-Platy
3-2" Clown Loaches
7-Black Skirt Tetras
1-4" Pl@cos
1-betta

Scott
 
An increase to the bio-load means the current bacteria colonies will no longer be able to process all the waste produced. They'll catch up quickly, but you do run the risk of an ammonia/nitrite spike--the nitrite spike being more likely becasue these bacteria are slower to expand colony size.

I'd do a preventative water change daily for the first 2-3 days, and feed lighter than usual to be on the safe side.
 
IMHO 9 1 inch platies wouldn't even make a dent in the water quality of an established 55g tank, but I guess it is better to be safe than sorry.
 
I find platys to be a messy fish, always pooping. OG's advice about water changing is good. When I was overstocked for a few months, I did more frequent water changes and it worked out fine. Now everyone is in appropriate sized housing, I'm happy to say :)
 
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