Overstocking tank???

pretzelsz

so i have 10 fish right now i want to get 2 more(7 swordtails 3 zebra danios want 2 more) and after i got them could i get the 5-6 corys without overstocking?

Angel079

Into where? Your 20g there or which tank size?

I'd find that pretty risky on the bio load to add more Danios and then a group Cory.....You may also wanna check your stocking idea here AqAdvisor - Intelligent Freshwater Tropical Fish Aquarium Stocking Calculator and Aquarium Tank/Filter Advisor

pretzelsz

it says i would be at 115% for 2 more danios and 134% for 5 corys right now i am at 109%... i dont get this...

Angel079

Its cause your Swords and Danios already are large fish that need a lot swimming room and large fish also leave behind a lot more *you know what* then 5 itty bitty lil fish and adding another handful Cory to that will up your bio load a LOT if not to say borderline unsafe tank.
Its the Swords kicking you on the stocking there; if you was to have 6 Danio and 6 Cory you'd be just fine

pretzelsz

ya i measured the fish and they add up to right now 18 inches not including tails...But isnt bottom dwelling not affecting the swim room or something? its going to get planted before i would get cory and 134% was with 5 danios. also what could i do for coy with a 10 gallon or something like that?

pretzelsz

Edit my last one...Could i put my Betta in a 10 gallon tank and then 6 cory? I might get a 10 gal soon and plant it along with my 20 gallon

n1zjd

Yes you could put a beta and 6 corys in a 10 gallon. Also, its not the length of fish thats of main concern here but rather bio load. No, more corys wouldnt affect the swimming room of your larger middle to top dwelling fish, but they will be producing more waste, as well as requiring more food than your filter will be able to handle requiring more frequent, and larger water changes than would be ideal.

Edit: BTW Angel thanks for the calculator link, that things awesome!

Angel079

Scrap the inch per gallon rule that's stupid and leads to nothing but issues in tanks!!!

What you wanna have there with Swords, Danio & Cory...Set up a nicely planted 20g with sand and put these fish in there. Then your empty 10 use for a Betta/Shrimp set up.

When you're stocking a tank what matters 1) Tank size vs fish needs to swim 2) Bioload on your tank (fish poo vs amount water) 3) Comparability peaceful fish vs aggressive

pretzelsz

wait so your saying i could put in the cory but i would need to plant and have a filter? Also i wanted to put the Betta in a 10 gallon with cory. Also what is a recommended filter for a 20 and 10 gallon?

iamntbatman

You should have a filter on any tank, really. You wouldn't have to plant it, but it would certainly help and the fish would appreciate it (plus it looks great).

I'm a big fan of Marineland biowheel filters, so a Penguin would be good. Aquaclear filters are also very good.