frogster221

i asked a reputable guy at the pet store some questions about stocking and he said that i could put more fish into a tank if that tank has plants in it. is this true or is just another bad story or some thing? thanks for any help.

steveangela1

I don't think so, imo you should stick to your inch per gallon stocking rule. The plants will aid to your o2/co2 exchange... but it will not allow for extra fish in the tank.

HatchetHaven

In a heavily planted tank, (I mean like an ADA scape), the plants will help out the filter in filtration, so it's possible to keep a bit more fish in the tank than normal.

frogster221

wouldnt it help with the breakdown of nitrites and nitrate and keep the tank cleaner with less algae. also wat would the rule be for fish then like .75 or half an inch per fish

Butterfly

If the tank is stuffed with plants a little careful overstocking can be managed. But not grossly overstocked. The plants will use the Nitrates to grow on. If this is done the parameters still have to be watched very carefully.
Carol

frogster221

cool ill have to try it out

sirdarksol

Yes, plants will take up more nitrates.
However, they also take swimming space away from the fish, and this is another important part of the inch per gallon guide. Some fish will actually be happier with the plants clouding their vision. Other fish (ones who live in clear stretches of water, for example) will be stressed by the extra visual blockades and the fact that they have no idea whether or not a tankmate is around the corner, so be sure you take into account the type of fish. If you are looking at fish that prefer moderately to heavily planted tanks, you probably could get away with a little more fish in the tank, but not much.

HatchetHaven

Be sure to do your research - it's much more complex than just shoving a fews plants in and go!

sirdarksol

Precisely. Very well said.

Butterfly

Exactly thats why I specified "a little careful overstocking".
Carol

frogster221

do zebra danio have a priblem with an obstructed view and the same with neons

Butterfly

Danios need lots of open swimming room. They will swim in and out of plants but they still need some open space. I imagine it would be the same for neons.
Carol

sirdarksol

Neons, I know, love darting in and out of plants. As long as there are some open spaces (usually at the front of the tank), they should be happy.

HatchetHaven

When you aquascape your tank with the plants, make sure you leave a space at the front with only low growing plants there, the zebras should be cool.

steveangela1

Now I could see this rule w/ dwarf puffers that like their view obstructed and diff surroundings, GBR's, fish that like stuff to break up their view... I wouldn't want to chance grossly overstocking a tank.
Even w/ our lake malawi cichlids that are supose to be overstocked and we have overfilitration going in our tanks its a twice a week job to keep the tank crystal clear, and a lot of fish poop to vaccum once a week. (not complaining, well worth it)

joy613

When you stock your planted tank do research and don't stock with plant eaters. I am planning a 40 gallon now and wanted some buenos aires tetras and found out they aren't recommended for planted tanks because of their diet. I don't trust the pet store they are in the business to sell, I do my own research. I always under stock.

frogster221

would a forest of hairgrass look really cool or just be weird

sirdarksol

Some people do it. I think it would be cool.