If you have extra filteration, can you overstock your tank?

spartan said:
hey buddha,

I'd say your tank is well overstocked, regardless of how much filtration you have. The fish listed in your sig and at that size, in ONLY a 125g are well on their way to trouble.
With a tank that packed i'd think 30-40g twice a week would barely be enough.

I hope its a growout tank.
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On their way to trouble FOR 5 YEARS?
This tank is constantly kept up with carbon changes, all water changing is done while vacuuming gravel, there is UV sterilization, there is nitrate removal media, there is never any overfeeding, the water is completely covered to prevent evaporation (and the chemical build-up it causes), there is twice as much bio-media as needed and chemistry is constantly monitored.
You can easily judge a tank's health by the health of the inhabitants. My fish have NEVER experienced an illness of any kind, are very brightly colored and are in a constant state of energy and alertness. I understand it takes a lot of responsibility to care for my friends and I'm more than happy to help 'em out. They all enjoy being petted (although not recommended for fish health concerns) and being hand-fed.
Also, remember that they haven't been this big for the last 5 years. I know that 3 2' active fish would like more than 125g, which is why when I move in 2 months, I'll be taking advantage of the opportunity to upgrade to a 200g.
The Alligator gars grow, in the wild, up to 9' long (the florida gars, only 3'). Eventually I'd like to have a 10'x12' or so pond in the back yard for them and the Arowana until they get TOO big. At that point I'll take a road trip down to the southern states and release them into their native waters. The Arowana I'll be able to keep as they only get to about 3'-4'. Probably pretty pricy to transport 2 5' fish :rolleyes: Better start savin' now!
 
laffingbuddha said:
On their way to trouble FOR 5 YEARS?
This tank is constantly kept up with carbon changes, all water changing is done while vacuuming gravel, there is UV sterilization, there is nitrate removal media, there is never any overfeeding, the water is completely covered to prevent evaporation (and the chemical build-up it causes), there is twice as much bio-media as needed and chemistry is constantly monitored.
You can easily judge a tank's health by the health of the inhabitants. My fish have NEVER experienced an illness of any kind, are very brightly colored and are in a constant state of energy and alertness. I understand it takes a lot of responsibility to care for my friends and I'm more than happy to help 'em out. They all enjoy being petted (although not recommended for fish health concerns) and being hand-fed.
Also, remember that they haven't been this big for the last 5 years. I know that 3 2' active fish would like more than 125g, which is why when I move in 2 months, I'll be taking advantage of the opportunity to upgrade to a 200g.
The Alligator gars grow, in the wild, up to 9' long (the florida gars, only 3'). Eventually I'd like to have a 10'x12' or so pond in the back yard for them and the Arowana until they get TOO big. At that point I'll take a road trip down to the southern states and release them into their native waters. The Arowana I'll be able to keep as they only get to about 3'-4'. Probably pretty pricy to transport 2 5' fish :rolleyes: Better start savin' now!
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budda, is going by the inch per gallon rule which I use...I think he has about 125 inches of fishes in there and he has beeen successful for five years..
 
The inch per gallon rule is a guideline more than anything. Would you put in 125 inches of oscars in that tank? OR 125 inches of goldfish?

As for the 125 g tank, how big is the sump? I think a 40-60 gallon sump could explain why you've had so much success, since there is enough water volume, but it may be a bit tight on water space in the tank.
 
laffingbuddha said:
See below for the load I've got on my 125g! I have never had a problem in over 5 years, but I use a custom made sump filter that could handle a well stocked 200g...so, yes, you can overstock if you overfilter, but be aware of two things: overcrowding too much can cause stress, and for smaller fish, alot of the time they can get physically exhausted (and die) trying to fight currents that are too strong. For big fish, the more, the better, but keep the flow rates down for little guys.
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You do realize that Aligator gars get up to 10 feet long? :mad: Overstocking is bad mabye a couple small fish is okay but not too much.
 
pbrack said:
The inch per gallon rule is a guideline more than anything. Would you put in 125 inches of oscars in that tank? OR 125 inches of goldfish?

As for the 125 g tank, how big is the sump? I think a 40-60 gallon sump could explain why you've had so much success, since there is enough water volume, but it may be a bit tight on water space in the tank.
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No, it's only a 10g sump (custom made), but it has incredible bio-filtration due to it's design.
And as soon as I figure out how to get pics up, I'll show you that this tank has more room than you think. I don't really have any decor other than a 1' high stack of big rocks and some small driftwood. I've seen demo tanks at fish stores that looked much more crowded than mine.
To Genral72:
See above, as I'm well aware of the Gars' eventual length!
 
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pbrack said:
The inch per gallon rule is a guideline more than anything. Would you put in 125 inches of oscars in that tank? OR 125 inches of goldfish?

As for the 125 g tank, how big is the sump? I think a 40-60 gallon sump could explain why you've had so much success, since there is enough water volume, but it may be a bit tight on water space in the tank.
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Was wondering why everyone is attacking him because of his opinion and experience..There are a lot of opinions on this board, and I have the right to listen to them all or discredit them..

It dont matter what type of fishes, since he has a 125 gallon. I know some of his fishes probably would outgrow it but now, all his fishes are under 2 feet..
 
watermelon said:
Was wondering why everyone is attacking him because of his opinion and experience..There are a lot of opinions on this board, and I have the right to listen to them all or discredit them..

It dont matter what type of fishes, since he has a 125 gallon. I know some of his fishes probably would outgrow it but now, all his fishes are under 2 feet..
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Thank You!
 
laffingbuddha said:
No, it's only a 10g sump (custom made), but it has incredible bio-filtration due to it's design.
And as soon as I figure out how to get pics up, I'll show you that this tank has more room than you think. I don't really have any decor other than a 1' high stack of big rocks and some small driftwood. I've seen demo tanks at fish stores that looked much more crowded than mine.
To Genral72:
See above, as I'm well aware of the Gars' eventual length!
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I'm sorry It is just that a while ago a person had an alligator gar in a 55 gallong tank. And unlike you they weren't planning on releasing it in its native waters. I didn't read the complete post sorry :o
 
No Prob!
 
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