Quote:
|
Originally Posted by flikkitty11
I was wondering if 20 fish in a 4.5 gallon tank was too many.
i have 3 female guppies (approx 4 cm)
3 male guppies (approx 4 cm)
3 red platties (approx 3 cm)
1 speckly platty (approx 3 cm)
5 zebra danios ( approx 2 cm)
5 bristlenose catfish (approx 4 cm)
i do water changes twice a week and clean the filter once a week(it needs it this often). i also top up the water a little every one to two days.
i have only had one fish die (female guppy) and this was when i hadn't changed the water or cleaned the filter for 2.5 weeks
|
There are general rules of thumb, but 1 usually don't go by those. In theory, what is preventing you from putting 100 fishes in a 4.5 gal tank ... only 2 things ... 1. poor water condition. 2. territory & compatability.
1. Poor Water Condition ...
After so much water changes, you still MUST clean your filter once a week. Clearly, your water is not "clean" enough.
TWO options ... change water EVEN MORE OFTEN (note: max of 50% every change ... only 20% is better) or upgrade your filter system. If you don't, I suspect that more fish will die later. Some breeders do not even have a filter system, but change 50% water every day!!!
NOTE: If you have regular light, observe your algea growth ... brown slimy ones = insufficient filter ... green tough ones = OK.
2. Territory & Compatability ...
I don't think you have a territory issue. This is very common with cichlids, saltwater fishes, or some fishes in breeding season.
However, you might have a compatability issue. I worry about your zebra danios with guppies. Zebras swim fast, and guppies have long tail. Guppy tails are an instant magnet for others to nip at their fins. If you notice broken guppy tails, than observe who is the gulty party, and isolate either side.
NOTE: Spend more time with your fish ... if they are chasing away and fighting each other, than you either have a territory issue or a compatability issue.
Soooo ... just observe your tank. They are trying to tell you something, but are we listening ...
hope this helps.