Overstocked Tanks

JayStro81 · Apr 5, 2021

Alright, confession time. Who's currently running an "overstocked" tank? With the equipment available to us today, I personally feel like we can push the limits to how many fish we have in our tanks. Nutrient export is getting easier and easier as new information and equipment becomes available. I'm currently stocked at 8 small nano fish in my 40g and my levels are pretty solid. It's all about finding the right mix of fish that get along. Anyone else running a heavily stocked tank? Please help me feel good about myself, lol.

Jekyl · Apr 5, 2021

It's not only about nurtient export. Aggression is a major factor. I have 8 fish in my 2 yesr old 90 gallon and probably won't add more. The fish I have already argue enough. I'd rather have less fish and higher health.

JayStro81 · Apr 5, 2021

Jekyl said:
It's not only about nurtient export. Aggression is a major factor. I have 8 fish in my 2 yesr old 90 gallon and probably won't add more. The fish I have already argue enough. I'd rather have less fish and higher health.

Knock on wood, I have a very peaceful tank. Though I'm not naive to think that cant change as fish get older. I have a fish trap and I'll cross that bridge if I ever come to it

gentlefish · Apr 5, 2021

8 fish 200g total. Nice and peaceful.

Justin_Reef · Apr 5, 2021

Yes but I only have 5 fish in a 84"x30"x20" tank. The problem is that 2 are puffers who eat 4-6 clams and 1-2 jumbo prawns per day.

JayStro81 · Apr 5, 2021

Justin_Reef said:
Yes but I only have 5 fish in a 84"x30"x20" tank. The problem is that 2 are puffers who eat 4-6 clams and 1-2 jumbo prawns per day.

The biggest fish by far I have is a Midas Blenny. Puffers are cool fish, I just don't trust them in a reef.

Chessmanmark · Apr 5, 2021

I have six fish in a 20 gallon. I have 8 in my 90, but due to aggression I had to overstock the 20, but they all get along.

KrisReef · Apr 5, 2021

JayStro81 said:
Alright, confession time. Who's currently running an "overstocked" tank? With the equipment available to us today, I personally feel like we can push the limits to how many fish we have in our tanks. Nutrient export is getting easier and easier as new information and equipment becomes available. I'm currently stocked at 8 small nano fish in my 40g and my levels are pretty solid. It's all about finding the right mix of fish that get along. Anyone else running a heavily stocked tank? Please help me feel good about myself, lol.

Your stocking level is very concerning. I would be outraged but I feel certain you will be upgrading soon. (Good move overstocking to justify and upgrade!)

JayStro81 · Apr 5, 2021

KrisReef said:
Your stocking level is very concerning. I would be outraged but I feel certain you will be upgrading soon. (Good move overstocking to justify and upgrade!)

Lol, there's a method to my madness

smlarson72 · Apr 5, 2021

KrisReef said:
Your stocking level is very concerning. I would be outraged but I feel certain you will be upgrading soon. (Good move overstocking to justify and upgrade!)

I bought a juvenile Emperor Angel just for that reason! LOL I told my husband that we needed a bigger tank to house him...hmmmm...just purchased a 300 gallon!

JayStro81 · Apr 5, 2021

Chessmanmark said:
I have six fish in a 20 gallon. I have 8 in my 90, but due to aggression I had to overstock the 20, but they all get along.

So far everyone has been getting along. The most recent fish I've added was a pygmy Hawk about a month ago. I have a trap on hand if someone gets agressive but they all swim in harmony currently.

JayStro81 · Apr 5, 2021

smlarson72 said:
I bought a juvenile Emperor Angel just for that reason! LOL I told my husband that we needed a bigger tank to house him...hmmmm...just purchased a 300 gallon!

Can you talk my wife into letting me get a 300g?? Lol

smlarson72 · Apr 5, 2021

JayStro81 said:
Can you talk my wife into letting me get a 300g?? Lol

Sure! LOL!! I even got him to paint my wall where the tank is going! HA!!

WVNed · Apr 5, 2021

It's also about oxygen when the power goes out. I lost several when the power went out overnight and I didnt know it.

Rmckoy · Apr 5, 2021

JayStro81 said:
Can you talk my wife into letting me get a 300g?? Lol

Just tell her the current one is leaking and it wouldn’t last .
Oh look ... a amazing deal on a larger upgrade “ it’s only 230 gal”
Ok do you want to go look at it tomorrow after evening ?

yes please

JayStro81 · Apr 5, 2021

WVNed said:
It's also about oxygen when the power goes out. I lost several when the power went out overnight and I didnt know it.

That's a valid point. I do have a generator. I actually lost power last week for about 3 hours and fortunately everything was ok, but if it was 6 hours it might have been a different story

JayStro81 · Apr 5, 2021

Rmckoy said:
Just tell her the current one is leaking and it wouldn’t last .
Oh look ... a amazing deal on a larger upgrade “ it’s only 230 gal”
Ok do you want to go look at it tomorrow after evening ?

yes please

Lol, I don't think it will be that easy. She doesn't support my fishtank obsession.

StPatrick89 · May 11, 2021

JayStro81 said:
Alright, confession time. Who's currently running an "overstocked" tank? With the equipment available to us today, I personally feel like we can push the limits to how many fish we have in our tanks. Nutrient export is getting easier and easier as new information and equipment becomes available. I'm currently stocked at 8 small nano fish in my 40g and my levels are pretty solid. It's all about finding the right mix of fish that get along. Anyone else running a heavily stocked tank? Please help me feel good about myself, lol.

I’ve got 3 tangs, trigger, Valentini puffer, 2 clowns and a coral beaut in my 75g. They’re all juvees but I will be adding more. I’ve always gone against the grain. #rebel