I have a 150 gallon filter in a 10 gallon tank, can I have more fish because I have a larger filter?

Question

I have a 10 gallon with a 150 gallon filter. It has been cycling for about 2 weeks with 1 male betta in it. My question is how many small tropical schooling fish could I have. Each will only get to 1 inch. Also If I decide to get blue rams or another small cichlid instead, how many cichlids could I have. I have 3 caves set up in there. I have plenty of fake plants. Very small substrate, as cichlids like to dig sometimes to bury eggs or just to rearrange the aquarium. Filter is adjustable flow from 50-150 gallons, so I will not have too much filtration or current. So, incase I lost you, my question is... How many 1 inch schooling fish could I have OR how many 3 inch small cichlids could I have. Also, could I fit two five inch fish in my aquarium.

Sorry I wasnt clear the filter filters 50-150 gallons per hour. It isnt a 150 gallon filter, I'm not sure it a 150 gallon filter would even fit in the space cut out in my hood.

Answer 1

You still are limited by the fact that most cichlids will be territorial, and there's only so much space available regardless of how much you overfilter your tank. If all you can provide is a 20x10 inch floor space, even a male and female may not get along well unless actively parenting.

As to schooling fish, they'd be more likely to get along, because they're not as territorial to start with, and you would be able to overstock somewhat because of the extra filtration, but not all fish like areas of high water flow - even if you set the filter to your lowest setting, it may be too much for fish with long fins or aren't that active. You would do better to keep species that are fast, active swimmers, such as danios and barbs. Both of these are schooling species, so you would need a minimum of 5-6 of each species.

BTW, it's not really clear if your filter turns over 50-150 gallons per hours, or if it is made for 50-150 gallons (in which case it would turn over 250-1,500 gallons per hour). Going up one filter size may allow you to keep a few additional fish (and this depends as much on the temperment and activity level as wastes), but it doesn't accomplish much is all the fish have difficulty swimming. I'd also worry that if you have fish that disturb the substrate, sand may be caught up by the current and pulled into your filter, where it could ruin your impeller/motor.

Answer 2

Well actually that would be great. Since goldfish are pretty messy fish 2 filters would really help to clean the tank. I have 2 filters in my 30 Gallon with a tone of tropical fish and it is very nice and crystal clear. It is not possible to over filter a tank but if the output of the filter is to strong then the fish could get very stressed. But goldfish are very strong and hardy fish so no problem there. Hope this helps! Good Luck!

Answer 3

I think that 8-10 schooling fish would do fine. Just make sure not to put all in at once. This is often a problem creating thing to do. Get a few at a time.

I think that a couple of pairs of cichlids or try 3. Go and look see what the pet shop has. Then pick out which ever catches your eye and looks healthy. Can mix it up a little too. With a smaller group of schooling and a couple of cichlids. The cichlids might shred the fins on the Betta. They are nippers. Your tank sounds really nice.

Answer 4

the size of you filter really doesnt matter as long as the current isnt to strong. you can have (in a ten gallon tank) as many as 6 or 7 1' fish. two 5' fish should be ok. im not sure what a cichlids is so im not sure on that. i would put your beta in a beta bowl by itself because the other fish might kill it. they are very colorful and the other fish may chase it around the tank and nip at it fins causeing diseases to your beta. hope i helped. good luck!!

Answer 5

As copperhead says, what you have to remember is that water will only carry so much oxygen in it, so the surface area of the tank is the important factor this is where the gas exchange goes on in-fact in 10gallons more importance would be placed on the temperature as the higher that is the lower the oxygen content, filtration in itself will not allow any increase in the capacity of the water to hold oxygen, unless your using a sump filtration system.

Answer 6

the filter has nothing to do with the number/size of fish in the tank. the size of the filter determines how often you must service the filter. the tank size will determine the number/size of fish. if you have a 50 gallon tank and put two Betta in it only one will survive.

Answer 7

You could keep a lot of fish, but overcrowding is still an issue.

Answer 8

Ask the person at the pet shop, you don't want to over crowd them.