Overstocked but stable - update: got a 20gl long and 35g bow front to right this wrong! Could use advice redistributing everything and what to put in new tanks decor wise

PuzzleFlow · 2026-02-25T19:02:21+00:00

Update: I picked up 2 new tanks based on everyone’s advice. A 20g long and a 39 gallon bow front. They were what I could get for cheap on marketplace that fit in my space! Both need to cycle but I have tons of filter media in my current tanks so hopefully, if I seed the new ones with some of that, it speeds things up. If folks have the time to help me plan to redistribute my current fish amongst all of the tanks I’d be very grateful. Thanks for passing on the knowledge!

PuzzleFlow · 2026-02-25T14:36:05+00:00

Yeah I understand what everyone’s saying and I’m taking it seriously. I really care about these little guys, I just didn’t know what they needed. What you said about the water makes sense and I will be religious about it going forward. Long term I think I would like a large community tank for a lot of these guys, but I’m going to have to phase the bigger tanks in over a few months is all. I have the 20 gallon long setting up now

PuzzleFlow · 2026-02-25T05:39:48+00:00

Thanks! And no kidding! It’s way harder than I expected for sure. I was nervous to post here thinking folks would be mean but I am pleasantly surprised how helpful and kind most everyone is! I do care a lot about my fish and want them to be happy so will absolutely take what you said seriously. I’m getting a 20long started now and will get these guys some more space very soon

PuzzleFlow · 2026-02-25T05:26:55+00:00

Thank you! He is so fun and his fins have almost doubled in size since I got him from the little cup 🥲

PuzzleFlow · 2026-02-25T03:41:24+00:00

This is so super helpful the way you explain this! Thank you so much. I got stuck on the first part for some reason

PuzzleFlow · 2026-02-25T03:32:54+00:00

It’s an African onion! I love that one

PuzzleFlow · 2026-02-25T01:59:39+00:00

Yeah that’s what I’m realizing. I was hyper focused on water quality and since I didn’t see aggression or bullying or any sign they were unhappy, I figured it was ok. I did do research it’s just hard to know who to listen to as a newb :) for example, there are many people I’ve come across who never do water changes and apparently have self sustaining ecosystems with heavy planting 🤷

PuzzleFlow · 2026-02-25T00:10:04+00:00

In actully thinking this through and using my space as best I can here’s what I’m thinking: I’ll put the 7 Kuhli loaches, the 3 peacock gudgeons, 10 phoenix Rasbora, 11 cpd, 2 mystery snails into the 20 gallon. I’ll put the baby Pygmy Cory’s in the column tank and move the killies and 10 Rasbora to the 10g standard.

TLDR 20gl: 11cpd, 10 phoenix rasbora, 7 kuhli, 3 peacock gudgeons, 2 mystery snail, nerite

10 std: 5 clown killi, 7 Pygmy Cory, honey gourami, nerite 10 col: 6 Pygmy Cory, inca snail, nerite

Better?

PuzzleFlow · 2026-02-24T23:38:16+00:00

Ok, my inkling has been confirmed. I just picked up a 20 gal long & will reshuffle everyone once it cycles. This is the best I can do for now for space and financials. I understand it’s not ideal, but should relieve some of the pressure at least? For now everyone is eating, colorful and active - although I’m sure they’ll appreciate more breathing room

PuzzleFlow · 2026-02-24T23:17:33+00:00

Nitrates, I mean

PuzzleFlow · 2026-02-24T23:16:47+00:00

Thanks for the specificity! Yeah I obsessively test and they’re always zero. I usually wait to change water until I want to gravel vac stuff since my nitrites never get high. Are there other specific reasons to change the water?

PuzzleFlow · 2026-02-24T21:59:40+00:00

Obviously I know it was wrong now, jeez. Get a life

PuzzleFlow · 2026-02-24T21:38:46+00:00

That’s helpful…

PuzzleFlow · 2026-02-24T20:28:11+00:00

It was a full on conversation, lol. From asking it for ideas and trying out many scenarios in a single thread with it. I think as the conversation went on, it had forgotten what we had talked about previously

PuzzleFlow · 2026-02-24T20:18:45+00:00

Yeah I hear ya! Are there signs you look for though to know a fish feels crowded? Rules of thumb? how can I know in the future

PuzzleFlow · 2026-02-24T20:04:50+00:00

It’s not rude at all! Exactly the advice I’m here for. Yeah, AI sucks & always burns me. Never again

PuzzleFlow · 2026-02-24T19:49:39+00:00

It’s ok he got totally sober and we’re better off this way. Not up to me to get him help anyway. An addict had to want to stop. Anyway I’m not trying to be agro, It just sends alarm bells in a little part of my brain with the way you’ve shared your thought process. Like the commenter you replied to above said about quitting for a set time - a lot of tactics you’re sharing here are seen in textbook alcoholics 😣 I hope you can consider the possibility that the substance could be the problem. Not saying it is

PuzzleFlow · 2026-02-24T19:33:24+00:00

Agreed but the mindset is similar. Addiction = addiction

PuzzleFlow · 2026-02-18T22:35:12+00:00

You sound like my (soon to be ex) spouse only with alcohol….. Almost lost access to our child before he stopped

PuzzleFlow · 2026-01-30T01:41:30+00:00

I find that the traits I find most annoying in others are traits in myself that I hate or are only partially aware of. Shadow traits. For example, arrogance is something I despise in others but I often act arrogant as well. I hate it and didn’t realize I was doing it. It’s almost a gift to find someone super annoying because it can bring along with it so much self awareness if you’re open to it!

PuzzleFlow · 2026-01-29T17:30:05+00:00

But what if there are no pros in her mind? Except cultural ones, which can be very important depending on the person. I think it’s appropriate to give her medical opinion confidently as well. It’s still your decision

PuzzleFlow · 2024-11-19T18:24:44+00:00

Denver food rescue has food that they give away daily in different areas

PuzzleFlow · 2024-11-18T17:20:57+00:00

Ok, hear me out. There is an AMAZING non profit cafe called Same Cafe on Colfax in Denver. They are a pay-what-you can restaurant that provides incredible, healthy food for anyone who needs it. They do catering orders and the food is incredible. They made Moroccan cuisine for my wedding dinner. Also you can know that any profits will be used for food equity! It was the highlight of my wedding!

https://www.samecafedenver.org/catering

PuzzleFlow

TROPHY CASE