How many is too many?
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funkyj1313
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How many is too many?
I have a 55G with a L106, a L104, 2 blockhead cichlids and 2 Kribensis. I want a L183, blue phantom pleco (don't know the L number), and a few others. How many is too many? Plenty of rocks and african drift wood.
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racoll
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There are no set rules as too how many fish is too many.
The things that you have to take into account are.....
Oxygen. Is enough for the fish? Wider tanks will allow more O2 to diffuse. Are the fish showing signs of O2 stress? ie moving near the surface at night or heavy breathing.
Nitrates. Is it over 25mg/l? Keep nitrates under 25mg/l with as many water changes as that takes.
Aggression. Are they damaging each other? As you probably know, plecs can be aggressive. How aggressive depends on many factors such as individual and species "personality", number of hiding places and whether they are of a breeding age (they will be more aggressive).
If you answer yes to any of the above questions, then yes you are overstocked. If no, then try one more fish at a time, and keep your eyes open for problems. Be fully prepared to part with the fish should they occur!
Remember, don't kid yourself that it's OK in the tank because you want another fish!
The things that you have to take into account are.....
Oxygen. Is enough for the fish? Wider tanks will allow more O2 to diffuse. Are the fish showing signs of O2 stress? ie moving near the surface at night or heavy breathing.
Nitrates. Is it over 25mg/l? Keep nitrates under 25mg/l with as many water changes as that takes.
Aggression. Are they damaging each other? As you probably know, plecs can be aggressive. How aggressive depends on many factors such as individual and species "personality", number of hiding places and whether they are of a breeding age (they will be more aggressive).
If you answer yes to any of the above questions, then yes you are overstocked. If no, then try one more fish at a time, and keep your eyes open for problems. Be fully prepared to part with the fish should they occur!
Remember, don't kid yourself that it's OK in the tank because you want another fish!