Cruelly Overstocked 5g

Roan Art said:
Chris,

Common plecos, which is probably what you have, grow from 12-24". Many LFS sell them as "small algae eaters that won't get very big".

Roan
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Yeh! I know now! :mad2:


I just made a visit to the LFS and spent about 45minutes walking and talking to the fish guru there. He's really upset that I was sold the algae eater and told it would get only about 2-3". This particular type can get up to 18". He recommended a couple of smaller types and said I could return my algae eater for one of those if I wish. Also he stated instead of giving my fish to my neighbor he would accept them if I returned them and be giving store credit.


Also, we started talking about the possibilities of getting a larger tank. A basic starter tank in the 20g range. Possibly 40$ max for everything I need to get started. Most of the brands I saw were Top Fin. So can anyone suggest a good setup to begin with? Should I go with the kit that includes the tank, top fin power filter, hood and extra's? It's 40$ for the setup, but only 10g. Or should I opt for a 20g tank and try to build my setup from the ground up? I would need suggestions on the filteration needed for the 20g though. I've heard people like undergravel filters for larger tanks, but also have heard that bio-wheel filters that attach at the top are most preferred because of ease of use.

If someone has the means to point me in the right direction, also by making a list of items I definately need just to get started with a larger tank I would appreciate it greatly.


I'm sure there is a thread in here directed at exactly what I'm seeking, but I've failed to find it yet.


Thank you all for your time.
Chris
 
River Kid,

actually some of the 20 gal starter kits aren't that bad. they aren't the best equiptment but they are okay and will suffice till you can afford better.
as long as it has a filter and a heater you can set them up. it'll be bare bottom ..but there are advantages to that.
you have an existing tank that is running so you have the bio media starter.

you could also look to ad's in the paper or craigslist.
as far as bio wheels and ugf..everyone has their opinion.
I run ugf with an ac in my 55,rfug with ac in my 20 and wet dry sump in my 75.
there are pro's and cons on all the filters..run what you like they work.
I generally catch flak about the ugf but I like the fact that the entire substrate is a bio filter and with the rfug I see hardly any mulm build up when I vac..I do have the 'flush' the sponges more often.

when it comes to bio wheel or Aqua clear..it's a toss up. both are good and both do what they are designed to do..it's a matter of which one you like best.
 
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Well, heres a list, in list format too.
  • tank(preferably a glass tank, but if you can get other types cheaper go for it)
  • Hang on tank filter, preferably an aquaclear becuase top fins can be really noisy when improperly adjusted(and it takes about a half hour to adjust them properly), biowheels are unessisary unless your planning on overstocking the tank.
  • heater, about 5x the tanks volume(in gallons) in wattage.
  • lighting, if you want it(fish would rather have room lighting), a wattage equal to the tank volume for fish only, 1.5-3 watts per gallon for plants.
  • decor, enough to give the fish good cover via plants and a few hiding places such as caves.
  • gravel or no gravel?, it doesn't matter in a properly maintaned tank, but if you want it, use atleast enough to cover most of the bottom and use suction cups to atach the plastic plants if it isn't deep enough.Live plants can be grown potted(but not in the tiny pots you get from the LFS with potted plants).
  • Thermometer of course
I cant help but think theres something I'm missing.
 
My best buddy has a 10 gallon that i gave him and he put a Red devil. a small Jack Dempsey and a small Oscar, and a common pleco in it. The oscar and Jd are always hiding because the Devil is EXTREMELY aggresive.
 
dorkfish said:
Well, heres a list, in list format too.
  • tank(preferably a glass tank, but if you can get other types cheaper go for it)
  • Hang on tank filter, preferably an aquaclear becuase top fins can be really noisy when improperly adjusted(and it takes about a half hour to adjust them properly), biowheels are unessisary unless your planning on overstocking the tank.
  • heater, about 5x the tanks volume(in gallons) in wattage.
  • lighting, if you want it(fish would rather have room lighting), a wattage equal to the tank volume for fish only, 1.5-3 watts per gallon for plants.
  • decor, enough to give the fish good cover via plants and a few hiding places such as caves.
  • gravel or no gravel?, it doesn't matter in a properly maintaned tank, but if you want it, use atleast enough to cover most of the bottom and use suction cups to atach the plastic plants if it isn't deep enough.Live plants can be grown potted(but not in the tiny pots you get from the LFS with potted plants).
  • Thermometer of course
I cant help but think theres something I'm missing.
Click to expand...

While not directly addressed in lighting, a hood in case you get fish that like to jump or are being chased.
 
WHile we are on the subject of stocking in a 5 Gallon..... I was quite surprised to see 15 flame tetras in this contest tank and 2 platys, 2 swordtails, 8 cardinal tetras, 2 siamese algae eaters and 2 otos in this 5 gallon.


Do you think those levels of socking are sustainable by anyone other than an expert?
 
Sorry to bump this, but anyone got any suggestions on my last comment? Id really like to hear what people think as Im toying with the idea of setting up a similar tank.
 
thefirethief said:
Do you think those levels of socking are sustainable by anyone other than an expert?
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Yes, there sustainable by pretty much anyone who can get the tank established, but is that what's right for the fish? Certainly not.

However the first tank doesn't look or seem to bad (actually would consider something like that myself) - ember/flame tetras wont get much bigger than 2 CM, the fish don't apear to be full grown, that tank has canister filtration and that tank has a fiar amount of plants.

The second tank is just grossly overstocked, no question about it.
 
UGH! I have a 5 gallon with ONE Betta. I cannot believe that person has all of those fish in there. that makes me so mad too! How can someone be so irresponsible. those poor little things.
 
that woman was lying. she could not have a tank like that and no losses or anything like that. shes just too ashamed to admit it.
 
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