Overstocked?

JohnnyReef13

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Hello! I have a lot in my 45 gal- An eel, fox face, velvet damsel and a maroon clownfish. Earlier today, I posted a thread about trying to find a new, attractive fish. Most of the replies said i've reached my limit- I'm overstocked. I trust them as they probably have double my experience, but I've been doing this 2 years. Recently I got a coral. I want do to what's best for my fish- please help!
 
They might have suggested it was overstocked not necessarily based on the number but the size of fish you have. I try to add fish based on their compatibility (with each other and coral), adult size, care requirements, and the environment I can provide them. I’m not sure what kind of eel or fox face you have, but some of them require bigger tanks than 45 gallons (especially factoring in displacement from rocks and sand if you have any).

However with that being said, if none of the animals are stressed, and parameters remain consistent and stable, then you may not have a problem but still be overstocked in a text book sense.

None of this is an exact science (well some of it is, but you get the gist). It’s all based on people’s experiences and observations. Nobody knows your tank better than you do, if you have even a slight concern that it might be overstocked, then it likely is. If so, I’d recommend letting go of a fish or two to a LFS, or upgrade to a bigger tank. (I always prefer the latter, however I too have limited space, I thought my 100 gallon would be the end all be all but truth is I’m still left wanting bigger tanks to have those animals that need the space.)

Hopefully everything works out and you do what’s best for your fish and yourself!
 
Wow! Thanks for your wise response! If it helps, the eel is a snowflake, and the fox face is either regular or spotted- they are both small. it would be hard to get rid of fish, do you think it's overstocked or at the limit?
 
most likely fine for now if they are small but all of those fish will grow to be too aggressive/big for that tank in the future (except the velvet which is still aggressive)
 
You’re overstocked because of the fish you have. For example, The eel and fox face are too big for your tank and the velvet damsel is to aggressive for you to add any other fish.

If you got rid of those fish you could definitely have plenty of room for more fish.
 
They might have suggested it was overstocked not necessarily based on the number but the size of fish you have. I try to add fish based on their compatibility (with each other and coral), adult size, care requirements, and the environment I can provide them. I’m not sure what kind of eel or fox face you have, but some of them require bigger tanks than 45 gallons (especially factoring in displacement from rocks and sand if you have any).

However with that being said, if none of the animals are stressed, and parameters remain consistent and stable, then you may not have a problem but still be overstocked in a text book sense.

None of this is an exact science (well some of it is, but you get the gist). It’s all based on people’s experiences and observations. Nobody knows your tank better than you do, if you have even a slight concern that it might be overstocked, then it likely is. If so, I’d recommend letting go of a fish or two to a LFS, or upgrade to a bigger tank. (I always prefer the latter, however I too have limited space, I thought my 100 gallon would be the end all be all but truth is I’m still left wanting bigger tanks to have those animals that need the space.)

Hopefully everything works out and you do what’s best for your fish and yourself!
He also previously had 2 trigger babies which were eaten by the eel. Asking what else he should add to the tank. FYI
 
He also previously had 2 trigger babies which were eaten by the eel. Asking what else he should add to the tank. FYI
Yes, I took your advice and decided to not add any more fish for a while. If you had noticed, the question says "I want to do what's best for my fish" please know I mean no harm to any fish, and that was a while ago. I was less experienced.
 
How should I do that?
ask a member here if they want it or give it back to the store.

First thing i look at before i buy a fish is the liveaquaria.com quick stats (i dont buy from there though). Most stores will hold fish for you so you can ask them to instead of taking it home. It will give you enough time to make a thread on here and ask if the fish is fit for your tank before bringing it home.
 
ask a member here if they want it or give it back to the store.

First thing i look at before i buy a fish is the liveaquaria.com quick stats (i dont buy from there though). Most stores will hold fish for you so you can ask them to instead of taking it home. It will give you enough time to make a thread on here and ask if the fish is fit for your tank before bringing it home.
I live in Texas, and I don't know how to put it for sell. Do you want it?
 
I live in Texas, and I don't know how to put it for sell. Do you want it?
Lol, cant as im in NY but thank you for the offer. I would just put it in the want to sell or want to trade section of the forum. Im sure someone would want it and you might be able to trade for a smaller fish or some coral so win win
 
Wow! Thanks for your wise response! If it helps, the eel is a snowflake, and the fox face is either regular or spotted- they are both small. it would be hard to get rid of fish, do you think it's overstocked or at the limit?
For those animals, they need bigger. Also the snowflake eel is an aggressive animal and will likely try to eat anything it can fit its mouth on.

With that info i think it’s overstocked/improperly stocked. The good thing is you’re asking about it and trying to make it right. Albeit a little late, but better late than never.
 
I live in Texas, and I don't know how to put it for sell. Do you want it?
I live in Texas too, DM what part and I can see if I know any resources that could help you out. I doubt my wife will let me have another tank, especially of the size needed to house the fish haha.
 
Hello! I have a lot in my 45 gal- An eel, fox face, velvet damsel and a maroon clownfish. Earlier today, I posted a thread about trying to find a new, attractive fish. Most of the replies said i've reached my limit- I'm overstocked. I trust them as they probably have double my experience, but I've been doing this 2 years. Recently I got a coral. I want do to what's best for my fish- please help!
A small 45g (30g with rocks) tank is no place for an eel or a foxface.
 

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