Is my fishtank overcrowded?

Question

I have 6 goldfish, 2 are about 6 inches long, 2 about 4 inches and 2 about 3 inches (including fins). I also have 2 catfish about 2 inches long. The tank is 40L in capacity. Is it overcrowded? We have 2 filters and 2 air pumps but the water is very green. We have plastic plants for shade and ornaments for the fish to play in and around. I think there may be too much direct sunlight but there's nowhere to put it that would be any better. Please help! Thanks.

Answer 1

Yea your tank is over crowded. 1 gold fish needs at least 20 gallons. Lower the amount of time you leave the tank light on for starters. .
Good Luck
Lucke

Answer 2

First, yes you are a bit crowded at this point and metters will get far, far worse soon. When all 6 goldfish top out at 7-8" or more not including fins and the catfish..well honestly who knows, some get only 2" or so, some well over 3' so that depends on the type of cats you have. You will need to fin homes for gold fish all along until you have 1-2 left.

As for the green water, reducing the number of fish will help as will reducing the lighting. Since you can't move the tank, cover the glass on the side that gets the direct sun. Aquarium background material, heavy paper... use whatever will block the light from getting into the tank and that will go a long way to stopping the green water problem.

MM

Answer 3

Overcrowding is your main problem. The waste producing fish and extra food along with the sunligh are helping to add to your algae problem.

Even though the "fins" tails are not counted as part of the fish when measuring size, you still have a high amount in a 40 L.

Since you have no where else to place the tank, try using phosporus pads piggybacked with your regular filter. These will help to keep the algae at bay. As was mentioned, the side of the tankthat gets the sun can be covered, however if you choose not to cover it, you will have to scrape the algae from the sides and vac the gravel during routine maintenance.

As for your fish, they can live in your tank happily however they will soon out grow it, depending on the type of goldfish and cats you have. Keeping fish in an over crowded environment places undue stress on the fish. It can also cause health problems for them.

I know it is difficult, but a few of your fish are going to need a different or larger home. Another thing you can do to help with the fish, try dropping the water level by 1/2 inch and allow your filter to pour intot he tank. The extra dissolved oxygen will pep up your fish. Try only feeding once per day, forcing them to eat some of your algae. (Gold fish will eat some algae and plant life)

Answer 4

i would think of it this way.. 1 gold fish to 5 gal tank and try to move tank away from direct sun.or shade the tank some how from the sun that causes green stuff. keep filters clean

Answer 5

Goldfish will eventually need 10gallons of water each. I would say that your tank is overcrowded.

Answer 6

Yes it is to much for that small tank :( but the only thing it would do is make them stop growing because they need space to grow but they are already pretty big... and less fish you have the longer they will live and the less they will fight..

Good luck
Pamela

Answer 7

Although I think your at your max for a 10 gallon tank the sunlight is giving you the algae problem. shade the tank as best you can

Answer 8

Overcrowded? This is so ridiculous it sounds like 2nd rate trolling. I don't know how the fish you describe even physically fit in there.

Answer 9

Its not overcrowded, but gold fish are very dirty fish. They leave lots of waste that turns to ammonia then nitrites then to nitrates which is perfect food for algae. Get a fresh water test kit and test your water for all of these. Frequent water and filter changes are a must with gold fish. The site Liveaquaria.com has a link to pet education on the site, it is awsome. Lots of info on everything fishy and the products to fix them. Good luck.

Answer 10

you need at least a 60 gallon tank