Problem with tank

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Dec 26, 2004
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I have to following in my 10 gallon (I know, overstocked likely)

2 Tetras (the brown kind with black dorsal fin)
2 Platies
1 Chinese Algea Eater
2 Fancy Male Guppies (male and female)

The Female fancy seems to have some of her tail nibbled and seems depressed about it. What should I do?

Also, is it probable that my tank is overstocked? If so, what should I do? Thanks! :)
 
abc

My hunch if a tank is over stocked get a bigger one? Or take some fish out. and next that in a 10g thats a little small there.
 
Isn't it possible to maintain an overstocked tank by having a lot of water changes?
 
How often would you be changing you water? about 20% daily is what I have herd for about that size, but still you know what they say 3's company and 4's a crowd? I like how off topic I can get I need to call those scary Adult A.D.D comercials.
 
Any ideas?
 
I'll take a stab: the Chinese Algaeg Eater is not appropriate for that tank size. Not only that, as they get older they stop eating algae and bully other fish. It is possible to maintain an overstocked tank. As to it being ethical or not, it's your call and no one else can make it for you. One thing you could do is plant live plants in the tank. They can convert the fish waste into nutrients they need to grow. I would do at least weekly water changes of 50% total volume of water.

The two guppies are fine in a 10 with a few friends, like tetras and a couple of Otocinculus cats for real algae control. Follow this link to AC's Species profiles and see if you can ID your tetras. They may be too active or too big for a 10 gallon with guppies.

So, in closing, yes your tank is overstocked (in my opinion) and also has at least one and potentially other fish inappropriate for its size. You could see if the pet store will take the fish back for store credit or perhaps buy a larger tank for the other fish. As for the Chinese Algae Eater, unless you just like the look of him, I'd find him another home at any cost, or at least, get him out of my tank.
 
Damage to fins is often a symptom of poor water quality, stress, or harrasment from other fish. With guppies, it's usual to have 2-3 females per male to distribute the attention of the male out and reduce the amount any single female recieves.

I agree that your tank is overstocked. While there are many methods to keeping an overstocked tank without fish loss, the problem is that is takes just ONE unexpected event--a power outage, for example-to push the tank from marginal to crashing. Rather than take that risk, it's better to have lightly stocked tanks that can tolerate a bit more 'oops' factor without becoming lethal. Also, fish that will eventually outgrow a tank are basically timebombs--no clue when they are being damaged by the too-small tank, and no idea when they will be the impetus for a crash in the bio-load.
 
Well, my female looks like she is about to die. :( Would two male guppys do fine? I thought male and female would ease tension.
 
A pair of males will still fuss a bit, but not as badly as if a female is present, or the abuse a single male inflicts on a single female.
 
RIP to my female guppy. :(
 
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