Stock levels

Hey everyone

I've haven't managed to find any real consensus on stock levels from various sites and calculators for my Malawi tank.

It's a 240l tank that currently houses 2 red empress, 2 electric blues (s. fryeri) and 3 benga peacocks. I am quite happy with this many fish but suspect that they're all males which seems to be causing a lot of aggression, especially from the dominant red empress.

Should I be overstocking further to reduce the aggro or looking to change the combo of fish I have? I'm concerned about adding more fish as I'm not sure my Eheim 2215 will be up to the task.

What do you think?

 

As a general rule, one should never over stock a tank. If the filtration is not up to scratch, then don't do it, ever. Unless you want to torture your fish? Personally, I think overstocking is never a good thing, no matter the circumstances. It just should not be done.

If you are worried, rather take one of the species out and replace those fish with that of one of the other species.

 

Red empress and Fryeri are a bit on the big side for a 4ft. Fyeri males especially can get very agro. Are you 100% sure that its genuine Red Empress?

Nothing wrong with overstocking, as long as your filter is up to the task and you are doing regular WC's

 

Thanks guys.

What I think are the Fryeri (from pictures online) were sold as S.Ahli. The store had no idea of what the red empress was but based on some online research i'm pretty sure that's what they are.

When I get a chance I'll post some pics for confirmation.

 

Thats normal. Protomelas Teanialatus? Could be from the Protomelas family...

Where did you buy from again? KAC?

 

Hi Neilh

A friend of mine buys alot of fish stock from you. And I purchased around 7 P.ornatus from him. At what size does the males colour up?