Dealing With Being Overstocked

[RebeccaLouise]

Hi everyone. Me again.

So i have abit of an issue. I had ordered a tank a while back. The delivery was only meant to be in a few days but has taken quite a few weeks. I have rung them and there was a problem so it is due to be sent out as aoon as possible.
I was meant to be taking some fish off somebodys hands but yesterday they couldnt hold them for me until i got this tank and cycled it. So ive had to put them into a current tank i have which is stocked.

What can i do to help my water and my fish stay as clean ans healthy as possible.
I currently do water changes once a week and feed as little as i can to stop the extra ammonia waste etc i have got an airstone to try and oxgenate the water more. Water testing is done for me by my supplier when i can get to them as i cant afford an api liquis one yet and the strips i have used previously are unsuccesful.
Is there anything else i can do to keep everything running smoothly? Up my water changes for example.

Sorry if my spellings poor. Im using my phone as my laptop decided it doesnt want to work anymore.

Rebecca

 

[KittyKat]

More regular water changes will help, and may actually improve the general health of the tank.
 
As I'm imagining it, your filter should handle the new stock, but nitrates will start building up much quicker. (I don't know what your setup is like, so am assuming it's sensible.)

 

[fluttermoth]

Yes, upping your water changes is the best thing you can do.
 
As you don't have test kits of your own to monitor the nitrate level (which is the best indicator of how big/often your water changes need to be) I would do as many as you have time for.

 

[TwoTankAmin]

Monitor ammonia. If you see it, expect nitrite will follow so monitor for that.
 
Fed fish resist ammonia better than hungry/starved ones. But do not over feed as uneaten food produces additional ammonia but no nutritional benefit.
 
Double your weekly water changes- i.e. do at least one every 3 days.  Watch the fish. If they show distress, take a water sample and then do a water change. Afterwards, bring the sample to the store and have it tested for ammonia and nitrite. Post those results here for comment. Forget about nitrate, the water changes should prevent any serious issues there and the test kits stinks for that anyway.

 

[Shelster]

Add some plants too, nitrate is no biggy but if you're worried, buy what plants you can afford and they will help.

 

[Blobfish]

My tanks are usually over stocked but I do very regular water changes - every other day at least and the fish are very healthy.  The tanks are also over-filtered and heavily planted.

 

[RebeccaLouise]

Sorry for late reply everyone. I appreciate all the help.

Ok ill up my water changes to every other day for now.

My tanks arent planted (im yet to have a go in the near future, excited to though. I think i need to learn about planting first though).

I have got a tank now from someone and its cycling so not long for their new home to be ready.

Thankyou all. Ive recieved great help yet again.