10 gallon with 5 fish plus black fin tetras

jeff5347 · 09-08-2011, 04:55 PM

Ok, so im curious on a few things. I have a ten gallon and each time i get fish i am getting closer to not being able to get anymore. I have the decor set up like i like minus the plants i want (growing as we speak) and want a variety of fish that will do different things (bottom, top, middle dwellers). So this is what im wondering. I had 5 fish 2 swords, 2 guppys and 1 glolight. TOday i wrnt and got 2 fblack fin tetras. I like these guys due to looking like phirana.
So i have 7 total right now and it doesnt look "overstocked" yet.
I have read BFT's are a schooling fish so more would be appropriate.
1. I know the 1 inch per fish is and old rule and deals with the waste and space taken by fish. My 2 guppys im assuming dont make to much waste.?
2. All my fish are really docile. Only the 2 added BFT's are really fast movers.
This is my tank

Ok so after seeing the tank and all the fish are visible in the shot. Would adding 1 or 2 more BFT's make the 10 gallon filledto the gills?.. pun intended. As of now the BFT are just swimming together and not bothering anyone. So since they do need a scholl and being a 10 gallon for them can i get just one and be ok, or would i need to get 2 more for 4 total and would that be the tanks limit. Thanks

Gizmo · 09-09-2011, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeff5347

1. So i have 7 total right now and it doesnt look "overstocked" yet.
2. I have read BFT's are a schooling fish so more would be appropriate.
3. I know the 1 inch per fish is and old rule and deals with the waste and space taken by fish. My 2 guppys im assuming dont make to much waste.?
4. All my fish are really docile. Only the 2 added BFT's are really fast movers.

1. "Looking" overstocked is not the right way to look at it, the way I have always determined whether a tank is stocked just right is to look at your fish's behavior - are they showing signs of stress? Aggression? Some fish like BFT's usually double in size from when you pick them up from the store, so you'll need to account for that. In addition, fish like swords and BFTs are river fish and require some decent current, while others like guppies with their big tails don't do so well in strong current. Also, are your guppies both males? If not, you stand a good chance of having LOTS of babies.

2. Most definitely. BFT's do best in a school of 6+

3. Guppies produce no more and no less waste than anything else in the tank. The 1" of fish per gallon refers to the full grown fish, not the little baby fish the pet store sells. BFTs, for example, can get up to 2" (mine are 1.5" at the moment).

4. Such is life in a tropical community tank. The only aggression might come from the male guppies (if any).

Hope this helps.

jrman83 · 09-09-2011, 08:58 AM

I wouldn't add anymore. Don't try to make some schooling fish rule work and in the process overstock your tank. Those fish will live fine without adding more buddies.

jeff5347 · 09-09-2011, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gizmo

1. "Looking" overstocked is not the right way to look at it, the way I have always determined whether a tank is stocked just right is to look at your fish's behavior - are they showing signs of stress? No Aggression? No all are pretty sedate, but in a good waySome fish like BFT's usually double in size from when you pick them up from the store, so you'll need to account for that. In addition, fish like swords and BFTs are river fish and require some decent current, while others like guppies with their big tails don't do so well in strong current. I dont have a power head to move water like a current but the HOB filter i have is way bigger than what this 10 gal needs, it does move the water pretty well from the return waterfall Also, are your guppies both males? If not, you stand a good chance of having LOTS of babies.Yes both males and get along very well

2. Most definitely. BFT's do best in a school of 6+
Being the second day with the BFT's, they seem to be getting used to their new home. Sometimes swimming alone but then the other will join up and they will swim toghether for the most part. Also they get near the glass and look like "is there something out there" but they dont bang into the glass. When i had my glolights right away the next day one of them just looked in trouble and then later that day he was dead. Both the BFTs as of now look fairly situated. I dont see any nipping on anyone else or chasing or any signs of aggression. I know more of them would be a better situation but i guess if they are doing well (i will keep and eye on them" maybe i will wait on getting another 1 or 2 BFTs
3. Guppies produce no more and no less waste than anything else in the tank. The 1" of fish per gallon refers to the full grown fish, not the little baby fish the pet store sells. BFTs, for example, can get up to 2" (mine are 1.5" at the moment).
I used to have tiger barbs that started out at 1 inch almost and when i had to get rid of them they were near 3.5 inches4. Such is life in a tropical community tank. The only aggression might come from the male guppies (if any). None so far, being over a month now i assume it will stay that way. very calm fish

Hope this helps.

Appreciate it Gizmo. I know my first mistake was getting a 10 gal instead of staring with a 20. Live and learn

jeff5347 · 09-09-2011, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrman83

I wouldn't add anymore. Don't try to make some schooling fish rule work and in the process overstock your tank. Those fish will live fine without adding more buddies.

thanks jrman, exactly what im doing for now

09-08-2011, 04:55 PM	#1 (permalink)
jeff5347 jeff5347's Photo Gallery Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 237 Location: Mass My location Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 0 Times Said "Thanks" 1 Times Was Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	10 gallon with 5 fish plus black fin tetras Ok, so im curious on a few things. I have a ten gallon and each time i get fish i am getting closer to not being able to get anymore. I have the decor set up like i like minus the plants i want (growing as we speak) and want a variety of fish that will do different things (bottom, top, middle dwellers). So this is what im wondering. I had 5 fish 2 swords, 2 guppys and 1 glolight. TOday i wrnt and got 2 fblack fin tetras. I like these guys due to looking like phirana. So i have 7 total right now and it doesnt look "overstocked" yet. I have read BFT's are a schooling fish so more would be appropriate. 1. I know the 1 inch per fish is and old rule and deals with the waste and space taken by fish. My 2 guppys im assuming dont make to much waste.? 2. All my fish are really docile. Only the 2 added BFT's are really fast movers. This is my tank Ok so after seeing the tank and all the fish are visible in the shot. Would adding 1 or 2 more BFT's make the 10 gallon filledto the gills?.. pun intended. As of now the BFT are just swimming together and not bothering anyone. So since they do need a scholl and being a 10 gallon for them can i get just one and be ok, or would i need to get 2 more for 4 total and would that be the tanks limit. Thanks

09-09-2011, 08:58 AM	#3 (permalink)
jrman83 ....has no life.... jrman83's Photo Gallery Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 9,465 Name: Ben Location: White Plains, MD My location Feedback: 16 / 100% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 3,382 Times Said "Thanks" 478 Times Was Thanked 2,431 Times in 2,286 Posts	Re: 10 gallon with 5 fish plus black fin tetras I wouldn't add anymore. Don't try to make some schooling fish rule work and in the process overstock your tank. Those fish will live fine without adding more buddies.

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