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18g Stocking/Compatiblity:Matrixmommy (Questions & Advice)

Discussion in 'Freshwater General Discussion' started by matrixmommy, Feb 26, 2009.

  1. matrixmommy

    matrixmommy Thread Starter New Member

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    Overstocking new tank?

    I just set up the Eclipse tank I got last week at the Goodwill and realized it isn't as big as I thought it was. I thought it was a 25 gallon, but it's actually closer to a 16 (at least, that's how many time I had to fill the 1 gallon water jug to fill the tank). So, my question is: can I still do the 4-5 female bettas and 4-5 mollies? That wouldn't be overstocking it, would it? I definitely want the female bettas in there, so if I have to, I'll forego the mollies, but the mollies were supposed to be my son's (since I got the tank as his birthday present...kinda :p), so I really hope I can still do the mollies. TIA!
     
    matrixmommy, Feb 26, 2009
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  2. Anonymous

    Anonymous Guest

    Top Poster Of Month

    Re: Overstocking new tank?

    I am not sure with those types of fish. I know I always overstock with Africans (agressive fish) to keep agression down and the bullying of only one fish to a low. Hope someone has a better answer.
     
    Anonymous, Feb 26, 2009
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  3. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    Re: Overstocking new tank?

    That would be OVER overstocking. :)
     
    Anthony, Feb 26, 2009
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  4. LemonDiscus

    LemonDiscus Active Member

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    Re: Overstocking new tank?

    I would agree with Anthony.... Overstocked! Cut that beta wish list down A LOT!!!
     
    LemonDiscus, Feb 26, 2009
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  5. matrixmommy

    matrixmommy Thread Starter New Member

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    Re: Overstocking new tank?

    10 fish in the 16 gallon would be over overstocking? Should I just leave it at the female bettas then?
     
    matrixmommy, Feb 26, 2009
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  6. matrixmommy

    matrixmommy Thread Starter New Member

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    Re: Overstocking new tank?

    I've read that female bettas don't do well in groups less than 4 though. The mollies will go before the female bettas do, my son's tank or not. :p
     
    matrixmommy, Feb 26, 2009
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  7. LemonDiscus

    LemonDiscus Active Member

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    Re: Overstocking new tank?

    I would only do 1 or 2 female bettas! Keep the mollies.. BUT remember Mollies, Platys, Swords are VERY prolific breeders like Guppies!
     
    LemonDiscus, Feb 26, 2009
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  8. matrixmommy

    matrixmommy Thread Starter New Member

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    Re: Overstocking new tank?

    Like I said, the mollies will go before the female bettas do. I love the look of the females. If I did do the mollies, they would all be of the same gender (preferably female) to keep from breeding.
     
    matrixmommy, Feb 26, 2009
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  9. LemonDiscus

    LemonDiscus Active Member

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    Re: Overstocking new tank?

    That would help.... you could get away with what you want IF you kept to 1 gender on the mollies, AND you overfilter your tank
     
    LemonDiscus, Feb 26, 2009
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  10. matrixmommy

    matrixmommy Thread Starter New Member

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    Re: Overstocking new tank?

    It's an Eclipse, so how would I go about overfiltering it? The filter is built into the hood.
     
    matrixmommy, Feb 26, 2009
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  11. LemonDiscus

    LemonDiscus Active Member

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    Re: Overstocking new tank?

    Can you get a HOB on there?
     
    LemonDiscus, Feb 26, 2009
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  12. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    Re: Overstocking new tank?

    I don't think so. I think an internal filter would have to be used.
     
    Anthony, Feb 26, 2009
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  13. matrixmommy

    matrixmommy Thread Starter New Member

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    Re: Overstocking new tank?

    Have no clue what an HOB is, sorry. :-S The pump that's in there now kind of hangs on this lip and dumps the water onto the filter, then it overflows onto the BioWheel and from there back into the tank.
     
    matrixmommy, Feb 26, 2009
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  14. MOD_Dawn

    MOD_Dawn Active Member

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    Re: Overstocking new tank?

    hang on back...it hangs on the back of the tank and the intake goes into the tank.
     
    MOD_Dawn, Feb 27, 2009
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  15. James0816

    James0816 New Member

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    Re: Overstocking new tank?

    I would look into a small canister filter for doing this.
     
    James0816, Feb 27, 2009
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  16. matrixmommy

    matrixmommy Thread Starter New Member

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    Re: Overstocking new tank?

    I don't know if the HOB would work on the Eclipse 1 (that's the tank I have...and it's 18-gallons, not 16...I did a whole bunch of looking last night to find which tank I had so I could be sure). There is no place on the back of the tank for the filter because of the way the hood fits.
     
    matrixmommy, Feb 27, 2009
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  17. MOD_Dawn

    MOD_Dawn Active Member

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    Re: Overstocking new tank?

    16 gallons, (had a 15g glass aquarium previously)...I'd do 3-4 female bettas and can the mollies. Also keep in mind that even female bettas can be aggressive towards each other. Provide some live plants (potted work in a pinch) for refuge.
     
    MOD_Dawn, Feb 27, 2009
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  18. matrixmommy

    matrixmommy Thread Starter New Member

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    Re: Overstocking new tank?

    Thanks, 0828dawn. I think I'll do that. I want the bettas more than the mollies. :p And definitely going to plant it. The plastics in there right now are incredibly pathetic and I love the look of live.
     
    matrixmommy, Mar 1, 2009
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  19. MOD_Dawn

    MOD_Dawn Active Member

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    Re: Overstocking new tank?

    Now you know your going to have to post photos under the planted section once your done! Lol!
    ~Dawn
     
    MOD_Dawn, Mar 1, 2009
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  20. matrixmommy

    matrixmommy Thread Starter New Member

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    Re: Overstocking new tank?

    Now that I know what an HOB is, no I can't. The hood is only configured for the exsisting built-in filter system (no opening on back to hang new filter).
     
    matrixmommy, Mar 1, 2009
    #20