Overstocked?

[WyattGuzoto]

Hello every one!
My question is, is my tank overstocked?
Right now I have 8 black phantom tetras, 8 black neon tetras, 5 cory catfish and 6 platys. in a 40 gallon tank. If I'm not overstocked what are some fish that would be nice to fill out the rest of my space any advice would be welcome. Thanks so much!

[Goes to 11!]

Yes --> Because you apparently have no filter... Or no mention of one. :-P

Can't speculate without knowing your filtration details

It is a common and effective minimum standard to have a filter rated for twice the volume of your tank. Is this the case?

[pjaldave]

If you have adequate filtration (filter twice the rate for your tank) then it should be fine. You can probably add more of the cories to bump up to 8-9 and up the tetras.

But that is if you have the filtration it needs.

+1 to 850R

[WyattGuzoto]

I have a whisper 60 filer that's rated for 60 gallons. I have a 40 gallon tank.
So with your advice I should hold off on adding more fish till I can add another 20 gallon filter?

[MCHRKiller]

I would actually dump another Whisper 60 on there. Cartridge based power filters are not very efficient...the more media the better.

Stocking is determined by many factors; waterchanges, filtration, plant life, and type of fish compared to tank size. IMO you are not overstocked at all.

Here is what I would do:
12 black phantom tetras, 12 black neon tetras, 8 cory catfish, 6 platies, 1 dwarf gourami, and 1 clown pleco

Do 50% weekly waterchanges, add some low light plants, and additional filtration and you can have a very active healthy tank. The tetras are small and low bioload species, your tank also has a good foot print for small fish.

[CrunchyLeaf]

Yeah if you are going to add a filter, don't skimp. Get the largest one that fits your budget and tank. You can't have too much filtration.

[Goes to 11!]

Considering the price difference is minimal I would get an Aqua Clear 70 and not bother with the cartridges at all.