Fiances parents tank...

[Jake_the_reefer]

I know this isnt reef related but I wanted some people to back me up in saying that this tank is not a healthy environment for the inhabitants. They have 2 red ear sliders and 4 wild caught bluegills (5 inch long each) in a 55 gallon tank (only 35 filled tho) they have a tiny submerged filter in it and they keep basking lights on 24/7 even at night. They also do 10% water changed bi weekly can anyone back me up in saying it is not healthy?

 

[Peace River]

I know this isnt reef related but I wanted some people to back me up in saying that this tank is not a healthy environment for the inhabitants. They have 2 red ear sliders and 4 wild caught bluegills (5 inch long each) in a 55 gallon tank (only 35 filled tho) they have a tiny submerged filter in it and they keep basking lights on 24/7 even at night. They also do 10% water changed bi weekly can anyone back me up in saying it is not healthy?

The turtles produce a lot of waste and the bluegill that I have kept grew out to about 8". Even with a canister filter rated for about 100+ gallons or two HOB filters rated at 55g a piece to keep up with the bio-load then the aggression between the inhabitants still would be a challenge (remember that bluegills are essentially the US version of cichlids. There is only one true US native cichlids and a lot of invasive species - instead we have sunfish to fill that ecological niche). Additionally with the large amount of waste and other detritus (both of the species in the tank are messy eaters) and the extended light cycle then algae is likely to be rampant very soon. Similarly, a much larger water change would be recommended. The two turtles by themselves would be okay in that tank or one bluegill and a dozen large golden shiners would be fine in a 55g - even then I would still recommend additional filtration.

If they don't want to take your word or my word for it then I would suggest that they reach out to the North American Native Fishes Association (NANFA) forum where there is many nationally recognized bluegill and US native fish experts. I can only imagine that will be a tough conversation with your future relatives and I wish you the best!

 

[cmcoker]

Fiance's parents... maybe find a better filter used or something and just gift it to them as something you had laying around. Happy wife, happy life type thing. If they are asking, give them advice but best to let it lie if they arent open to suggestion, IMHO.

Congrats and best wishes on the wedding!

 

[erk]

+1 to what @cmcoker said. Approach as someone trying to help, not trying to chastise.

BTW, you didn't say how long they've had this setup going. Is this something very recently setup or older? Kinda looks established to me.

 

[KrisReef]

I've been married twice. If I ever have to go on the hunt for third wife I would immediately break off any relationship I was in if the ladies parents bugged me so bad with their animal husbandry that I found it necessary to engage in this kind of debate with candidate inlaws.

The turtles and fish look fine, and both species are adaptable to horrific conditions. Do you really want to have Thanksgiving, birthdays, and holidays with a family that bugs you with their fish keeping?

Run brother run. I've seen this movie before and I don't think this one is for you.


Yep, the approach is very important. Mine isn't very nuanced but I didn't mean you any harm with the diagnosis. IF they bug you now joining the family isn't going to fix that or the tank they have. GL

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

Fiance's parents... maybe find a better filter used or something and just gift it to them as something you had laying around. Happy wife, happy life type thing. If they are asking, give them advice but best to let it lie if they arent open to suggestion, IMHO.

Congrats and best wishes on the wedding!

I've offered them many filters they dont like equipment they didnt buy haha

 

[Jake_the_reefer]

+1 to what @cmcoker said. Approach as someone trying to help, not trying to chastise.

BTW, you didn't say how long they've had this setup going. Is this something very recently setup or older? Kinda looks established to me.

A couple weeks at most