Overstocked?

[SuperBeef]

Sorry for what I'm sure is a VERY common post.  Six years ago (5th grade), I got started with keeping fish, and now, after just letting the fish be, and not doing anything with them, I'm back in to it.  In Jan of this year I got a 29gal tall? (24x12x24) and am trying the whole planted thing.  Enough about me, after being a silent observer here for a month or so, a recent post about a 29 gallon being overstocked prompted me to write this:

Setup:
29 Gal. (24x12x24)
110W Power compact lighting
Aqua Clear 200 Power Filter
CO2 injection

1 Golden Angel (had since begining, slightly disgruntled I think)
1 11-12" Plecostomus (Also since the begining, I know he wants more space, but he has his logs, and tries to tear plants apart at night)
3 Panda Cories
4 SAE
3 Ottos (don't do much, rarely seen)
4 Platties (multiplying!!! fry being moved out once seen)

My question: is it overstocked?  Following the inches of fish per gallon or surface area rules, I'm way overstocked, but everyone is fine, the angelfish likes her corner, and lays eggs every now and then, the cories are going up and down the sides, and the platties are breeding.  No ammonia or nitrIte.

Sorry for the post being so long, and thanks in advance...

-john

 

[eseow]

If you been able to keep it going ok, then you are fine. As far as over stocked, the Pleco is to big for that tank. It really should be in a roomier tank. Also sound like too many SAE's, as they get bigger, they can bet more aggressive, especially for food. Ottos seem fine, but you have more algae type eating fish or cleaning fish than actual tropical main fish. Feed them algae to keep them happy. If you plan to use them in a bigger tank, you don't want them to get spoiled on eating main tropical fish food. Also keep eye on PH and nitrates, as when tanks are slightly small for fishes, it can drop Ph & raise nitrates pretty fast.

 

[SuperBeef]

I guess I overestimated the Pleco's size, I took a ruler to the side of the tank, hes actually about 10 inches.  I realized he couldn't be as long as the tank is deep.  Nevertheless, still too big, we are in total agreement there.  He also gave up on algae a long time ago, now he's the cow of the tank.  As for the Ottos, I just threw them in for kicks, they were in a 10 Gallon and where never seen, but now I sometimes see them out so I think they might be doing something.  Thanks for the advice on the SAEs.  The corries migh be the funnest fish in the tank, always darting around the edges...  I guess I never realized all the cleaner fish I had...

thanks again,
john

 

[dattack]

It looks good to me! *thumbsupsmiley*

 

[aznpanther98]

if u have no room for the pleco and need to get rid of it check with ur lfs and see will they trade it in for credit

 

[catfishmike]

here is mine if you think yours is overstocked
1 pleco 6"
5 bronze cory
5 pepperd cory
3 spotted cory
5 up side down cats
2 brochis cats
1 female betta
all are bottom feeders(yes even the betta,she eats any where) but i change my water 25% every 1-2 weeks
i use a penguin 170 w/bio-wheel+aquaclear 150+ugf.
no ammonia no nitrate just keep up on water changes
please no hate mail yes i know i need a bigger tank,i'm moving  soon and don't want to setup just to tear down

 

[snowplankton]

  If your Pleco is too big see if your LFS will trade it for a smaller one. Lately i`ve been looking into some dwarf Plecos. I have the same problem with my Plecos, they are awesome for getting rid of algae, but gets too big. Does anyone know of any smaller species that are as good as the common Pleco?

 

[lizwinz]

clown plecos and bristlenose/bushynose plecos supposedly stay under 4" but i'm not sure about how good they are at removing algae  

 

[SuperBeef]

Thanks for the responses, glad nobody is too worried.  I got a Nitrate test today, and as I guessed, they are at 5 ppm, is that a little low for plants?  They like around 10?  Maybe I won't vaccum this week...

About the pleco, I would trade him in to my LFS, but I have this irrational sentimental attachment to him because he was one of the first fish I got.  Also, he presents a fairly humorous challenge with keeping plants, so far I'm winning...

Anyway, thanks for the feedback...

-john

 

[Avalon]

I think your tank is fine. The Pleco is a bit large, but if he doesn't seem to mind being in there, you could leave him in there (or get a bigger tank )

Your watts per gallon is right on the money with your CO2 injection. Your nitrates are ok too. You might try to make sure they don't dip any lower, but if they've been pretty stable for a good while, you shouldn't have to worry. If they do start to drop, you can supplement it with a $4 bottle of Tree Stump Remover from Green Light (KNO3), available in just about any lawn and garden section. For dosing instructions, go here:

http://www.csd.net/~cgadd/aqua/art_plant_nitrate.htm

Cheers  *celebratesmiley*,
Avalon

 

[SuperBeef]

I was wondering about how I might add nitrates...  thanks for the answer...  

Just finished a few water changes and decided I would skip vacuuming this week in my planted tank; I'm figuring all that extra pleco-poop will help with the nitrates?  maybe?

Anyway, with the help I've gotten, consider me a permanent resident here... *thumbsup2*

-john