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Is my tank overstocked?
Posted: Fri May 02, 2025 6:02 am
by Stefan
I've got a 30 gallon tank with 10 Neon Tetras, 5 Corydoras, and a pair of Angelfish. Running a Fluval 307 canister filter, weekly 25% water changes, and parameters are stable at 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. The Angelfish seem a bit territorial lately. Am I pushing it?
Re: Is my tank overstocked?
Posted: Fri May 02, 2025 7:04 am
by oakleaf
Dude, Angelfish can be such divas, especially in smaller tanks. They're probably just flexing their fins. How's the aggression? Any nipped fins or hiding fish? Also, what's your decor like? More plants might chill them out.
Re: Is my tank overstocked?
Posted: Fri May 02, 2025 8:51 am
by zenox7
Your bioload is manageable with the current filtration and maintenance, but Angelfish need more horizontal space as they grow. A 30 gallon is borderline for a pair long-term. Are they juveniles? If they're over 3 inches, consider upgrading or rehoming one.
Re: Is my tank overstocked?
Posted: Fri May 02, 2025 9:49 am
by Stefan
oakleaf wrote: ↑Fri May 02, 2025 7:04 am
Dude, Angelfish can be such divas, especially in smaller tanks. They're probably just flexing their fins. How's the aggression? Any nipped fins or hiding fish? Also, what's your decor like? More plants might chill them out.
No nipped fins yet, but the Tetras dart away when the Angels swim near. I've got driftwood and Java Fern, but maybe I'll add more cover. Thanks for the tip.
Re: Is my tank overstocked?
Posted: Fri May 02, 2025 10:32 am
by oakleaf
Yeah, Tetras are basically snack-sized to Angelfish, lol. Floating plants like Frogbit could help break sightlines. Also, try feeding in opposite corners to distract the Angels. Worked for my sketchy pair.
Re: Is my tank overstocked?
Posted: Fri May 02, 2025 12:08 pm
by zenox7
Stefan wrote: ↑Fri May 02, 2025 6:02 am
I've got a 30 gallon tank with 10 Neon Tetras, 5 Corydoras, and a pair of Angelfish. Running a Fluval 307 canister filter, weekly 25% water changes, and parameters are stable at 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. The Angelfish seem a bit territorial lately. Am I pushing it?
Your stocking isn't excessive, but the Angels' behavior suggests stress. Monitor their growth and aggression closely. If they start breeding, the tank will feel much smaller. A 40+ gallon would be ideal.
Re: Is my tank overstocked?
Posted: Fri May 02, 2025 1:04 pm
by oakleaf
Breeding Angels in a 30? That's a soap opera waiting to happen. My buddy's pair wrecked his tank layout when they spawned. Sand substrate everywhere, plants uprooted… chaos.
Re: Is my tank overstocked?
Posted: Fri May 02, 2025 1:17 pm
by zenox7
Agreed. Breeding behavior escalates territoriality. If you're attached to the pair, prioritize upgrading. Otherwise, rehoming one Angel might balance the tank. The Tetras and Corys are fine as-is.
Re: Is my tank overstocked?
Posted: Fri May 02, 2025 2:07 pm
by Stefan
Got it. I'll start scouting for a bigger tank or a new home for one Angel. Appreciate the advice, everyone.