How much more can I add?

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alixia
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:17 pm

How much more can I add?

Post by alixia »

I've got a 20-gallon tank with 5 guppies and 3 corydoras. The water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. I'm thinking of adding a few more fish but not sure how many is safe. Anyone have experience with this?
briar
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Joined: Wed Nov 01, 2023 12:10 am

Re: How much more can I add?

Post by briar »

Yo, I'd chill with adding more if I were you. Guppies breed like crazy, and you'll be overstocked before you know it. Maybe just one or two more small fish, but keep an eye on those nitrates.
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dWright
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Joined: Tue Feb 20, 2024 5:58 pm

Re: How much more can I add?

Post by dWright »

briar wrote: Sat Jun 21, 2025 2:12 am Yo, I'd chill with adding more if I were you. Guppies breed like crazy, and you'll be overstocked before you know it. Maybe just one or two more small fish, but keep an eye on those nitrates.
Yeah, briar's got a point. Guppies are livebearers, so you'll have babies soon enough. If you really wanna add more, go for a couple of tetras or something small. But don't push it.
Larkie
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 9:26 pm

Re: How much more can I add?

Post by Larkie »

A 20-gallon tank has a bioload limit. With your current stock, you're at a moderate level. Adding 2-3 small fish like neon tetras or a dwarf gourami would be safe, but monitor water parameters weekly. Overstocking leads to stress and disease.
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Vaxonel
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Re: How much more can I add?

Post by Vaxonel »

I've got a similar setup with 6 guppies and 4 corys in a 20-gallon. Added 3 neon tetras last month, and it's been fine. Just up your water changes to 25% weekly to keep nitrates in check.
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elirix
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 1:10 am

Re: How much more can I add?

Post by elirix »

Guppies are gonna multiply anyway, so adding more might be overkill. Maybe focus on plants to help with the bioload? Java fern or anubias would work great.
barkley
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:00 pm

Re: How much more can I add?

Post by barkley »

Nah, don't mess with it. Tank's good as is. More fish means more problems, trust me.
Furion
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 9:36 pm

Re: How much more can I add?

Post by Furion »

elirix wrote: Sat Jun 21, 2025 3:37 am Guppies are gonna multiply anyway, so adding more might be overkill. Maybe focus on plants to help with the bioload? Java fern or anubias would work great.
Plants are a solid idea. They'll soak up nitrates and give the fry somewhere to hide. Plus, they're low-maintenance.
Luminato
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:37 pm

Re: How much more can I add?

Post by Luminato »

If you're set on adding more, stick to small, peaceful fish. Avoid anything aggressive or territorial. And yeah, keep up with water changes.
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Aurixor
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:40 am

Re: How much more can I add?

Post by Aurixor »

I'd say you're at the limit already. Maybe wait a month or two, see how the guppies do. If you're still itching for more, then consider it.
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