Overstocked?

Tetrabetta12

Hello, i have a 5 Gallon aquarium with only tetras in it. The school is a mixed species of 8 Tetras. Is that too much for that size of tank? They seem to be Schooling really nicely.

3 Neon tetras
2 Glo-lite Tetras
3 silvertip tetras

Thanks.

gorangers0525

WAY overstocked. None of those fish are suitable for a 5 gallon. With a 5 gallon you're pretty much limited to a betta OR guppies OR a small school of dwarf corys Or snails/shrimp. Maybe a single Dwarf Puffer is ok. Honestly you shoudl always research beforehand instead of severely overstocking your tank. Also all those species require more of them to be happy and tanks that are atleast 24" long (15 or 20 gallon).

Byron

I agree. Tetrabetta12, don't worry, most of us made this mistake, I know i did when I started out. But we learn.

Just for your info, we have fish and plant profiles, second tab from the left in the blue bar across the top of the page, and if you check the fish listed you will find data on numbers, tank sizes, and other issues for each species.

And, welcome to Tropical Fish Keeping forum. Glad you joined us.

Byron.

Tetrabetta12

Thanks! :) I have had these tetras in the tank for a week now and they seem to be doing ok, but i plan on going to a 10 gallon once i can raise some money lol I checked out the profile section and i can say im really impressed! This site has been alot of help to me already. Should i just continue to keep them in the 5 gallon? I am doing a regular water change of 30-50% every 3-4 days.

Byron

You don't have much option at present, so yes. With water changes they will manage fine for the present.

Sometimes you can get good used tanks online for very little.

Tetrabetta12

Ok Thanks Byron! :)

Tetrabetta12

One more thing, how often should i do the water changes? i changed the water last night.

LADY K

have 5 gallon tank with 10-14 Swordtail fry. 3 week old. 4 tiger nerite snails . just put in this morning about 10 cory eggs. on theromerter. have to wait & see what happens

fish monger

Twice a week would be adequate. You're not "drastically" over stocked insofar as water management is concerned. It's more a matter of appropriate swimming area and grouping. In the interim, work on getting that larger tank. As Byron said, there are bargains to be found on used tanks. Be very conscientious on the water changes. There's nothing better you can do in this situation barring pulling a larger tank out of your ear.

Byron

Agree, twice weekly is fine, and no less than 1/3 of the tank, better with 1/2. Vacuum the substrate at each.