Overcrowding in pet stores??

Ok I'll say it and burn in Hell :angryfire:
Overstocking is the usual and normal trend in the hobby in many countries, Japan as an example, Middle east, We were overstocking in Egypt for the last 30 years at least ( I can't remember any tanks before that cause i was so young :grinno:), Overstocking is very well developed , studied and used in the fish farming industry, A huge filtration+Good Oxygenating+ as many water changes as human possible.
IT WORKS
 
You're right, it does work, in terrestrial animals we do it all the time, with poultry, cattle, etc. The thing is, the more you overstock, the more you have to do to keep the animal alive, and the more susceptible your system is to massive disease outbreaks. In a home aquarium it isn't really necessary, one can put together a beautiful and lively aquarium without overstocking, so if it takes so much more work, and possibly shortens the lifespan of the stock, then why do it?
 
Really sorberj some times you don't have a choice, Here in Egypt as an example most people live an apatments, In fact indvidual houses not a common thing here, So things like a fish room in the garage or building a pond in the back yard is things just to read and dream about, And as long as 1 square meter in a concerete building can only hold 1/2 ton of weight so things like 500+gallons tank will be impossible, We overstock cause this is our way of life, And if it is good for me to live in a 120 square meter apartment so it is good for my fish to live in a 100 liter tank,Sure i am dreaming of huge tanks were every fish can swim in its own 70 gallons as much as i am dreaming of having my own 600 square meters villa
That's why we overstock
I am over stocking and not shamed with it and I'll be proud of my fish and the amount of efforts i am investing in keeping them in a great condition
I am sorry if i sound a little angry but i didn't post any photos or talk about my fish here in the forum for months cause i am tired of being attacked for overstocking
 
Alexandrian

Not everyone has the luxury of space for the pursuit of the hobby as you have pointed out. If your fish are healthy then you must be doing something right regardless of whether or not it is considered over-stocked.

Unlike you, many get into the hobby not understanding just how large their fish will grow. It is to them we direct most of our comments about over-stocking. By many of these same standards I too have tanks that are considered overstocked. Like you, I am aware of the needs of a full grown fish and it doesn't bother me that someone may not approve. Bottom line, your tanks, your decisions based on education and not whim.

That makes all the difference in the world - you knowing their needs, how far you can overstock without harm, and being educated enough to meet them.
 
I didn't mean to sound like I'm attacking you. I understand that what you're doing is well-thought out. Most overstock because they don't know any better, and have a choice.
 
I normally push my stocking levels to the limit, as well. But as with anything in which limits are pushed, you need to know what you're doing or failure could come knocking. ;)
 
excuzzzeme said:
Alexandrian
By many of these same standards I too have tanks that are considered overstocked. Like you, I am aware of the needs of a full grown fish and it doesn't bother me that someone may not approve. Bottom line, your tanks, your decisions based on education and not whim.
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Guess what??? Me too :) But, I tell you, I have 12"+ fancy goldfish in my "overstocked" tank that are CONTINUING to grow (I'm starting to get a little scared, in fact, lol) and even a red Ryukin that I got a month ago that has almost doubled in size... My filtration, feeding and maintenance are what makes the difference.

There is, however, a big difference between my "overstocked" 100 gallon (8 goldfish) and a Pacu in a 10 gallon.... I think the only point that overstocking comes to be a real problem is if it is flat out ridiculous, as in that example. You can't keep an Oscar in a fish bowl, but can you make a 55 gallon work for quite a while? Yes.

I agree that most comments on overstocking are really meant to be aimed towards people that still think that you just change your filter pads once a year, top off the water level in the tank once a month, plop the fish in after the tank has been running empty, or that 5 comets in a 5 gallon is a great gift for your kid, etc. It is more about education. What you ultimately choose to do with your tanks is your business, but it would be remiss to just let some things slide without saying anything.

Kristina
 
I do aggree with stock turnover rate which is why im pretty much O.K. with it.

What i have a problem with is bettas kept in little jars that are most likely 1/2 gallon or less. my lfs keeps their bettas in the 10gs with other fish(which i like) but only one betta per tank.
 
the fish are in the store for such a small amount of time that there isnt any chance to set up territories, etc. like they would in our tanks. 15 fish in a 10 gallon is actually on the lower end IMO, especially once we start getting into smaller fish like tetras, barbs, rasboras, and danios. i once saw a tank with an uncountable number of neons...but they store sold them so fast that it didnt really matter.
 
If bettas were kept in tanks with other fish they might get picked on and they might have their tails shredded which is reason most people buy them.
 
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