How Is My Cousin's Tank?

It's too early for me to post photos btw

I'm visiting family in Chile and because I can't shut up about aquariums, my cousin bought a tank that looks like a 10 gallon but was sold as a 20 liter (~5 gallons) for what would be equal to around $80 usd.

Since it's his aquarium I let him do whatever he wanted with the decoration, except for plastic plants. He prefers big flashy decorations and multiple colors of lights over a more natural look

Since I'm the 'expert' I could dictate the stocking.

When we got to the lfs nobody listened to me and this is what they got:
2 platys
2 mollies
2 guppies
2 glofish (zebra danio)

And they want to buy even more fish

In my opinion that's horrible stocking with multiple problems, but I don't know what to do. Should I let those fish live out their shortened lives or should I just keep on trying to talk them out of it? Or am I overreacting?

 

Sorry that no one listened to you, that had to be rough. If it damages your relationship with your family, it's not worth arguing about. Focus on keeping down the ammonia, nitrite, and nitrAtes. Again, if arguing for that would harm your relationship, don't do it

 

No you aren't overreacting.My cousin got a 15 litre tank and went back the day after to be sold three "dwarf goldfish" if it's possible, gift them a 29 gallon. From there advise them of the filter(s) , maintenance, heater and danios necessary to keep their fish happy.

I don't think concern for fish will damage a family relationship; if you are concerned that it will, make sure all advice you give is constructive.

 

5 gallons is not enough for those 8 fish. 10 gallons isn't even enough for those 8 fish. It's not just about water changes. Imagine always being surrounded by a crowd, never getting a moment to yourself, not even when you go to the bathroom. That's the life those fish now have.

 

Reminds me of a horrible "how to" video on youtube involving a 5 gallon tank, neon rocks and a zip lock bag full of angelfishead: