quantity of fish

Question
I currently have a 20 gallon long tank. The biological cycle should be a little over half way through as i have had the tank set up for over a month. My PH is tested weekly and it is a 7.0. I have a few fake plants and a lot of live plants like several Cabombas, a water wisteria (nearly devoured by the gold and blue mystery snail), a small frill, some Hornwort and 2 small lilies are starting to sprout and twice a week i use the recommended amount of Plant Gro. I do 25-50% water changes nearly every week and condition it with start right when i add new water and tetra easy balance. I also use Jungle Labs Correct PH tablets from time to time. I recently had a Beta die of a fungus infection so I remedied the water with Jungle labs Fungus Clear tablets. I have 2 rocks(one real one plastic) that act as hiding spots for the fish if needed. I use a under gravel air stone and a 7 inch bubble wand for air. I believe my tank may be a bit overstocked... its a 20 gallon long and it has a male Betta, 4 Rummy nose Tetras, 5 Flame Tetras, 4 Glowlight Neons, 4 Neon Tetras, a bumblebee catfish, a Ghost Catfish, 3 Cory's (skunk,peppered,albino), a albino Rainbow Shark, 4 black Phantom Tetras(2 male 2 female) 3 Harlequin Rasboras, 9 Platies (3 of them males) and a small albino Plecostomus. I have a 75 gallon tank i can transfer the Pleco 2 when he grows 2 large. Although most of these fish are small Tetras I am wondering if it is still too many fish for the tank. Three of my Rummy Nose died of unknown causes yesterday and I am concerned if that is partially why. Any insight would be appreciated. Thank you.

Answer
Hi Michael,
Sounds like you are doing a good job with your aquarium. But maybe you should not try to adjust the pH. It can cause harmful fluctuations and generally fish are adaptable and able to adjust to many varying pH levels.

Your aquarium does sound quite well-stocked. While most of the fish produce a light 'bio-load' I think your best bet is to change the water as often as you can. That is the number one best thing you can do for a well-stocked tank, both to keep the pollution levels low and to prevent diseases.

Rummy-nose tetras are very much the "canaries of the coal mines" and typically the colors of their noses are indicative of the tank's conditions. A pale pink nose means poor water conditions or stress. And of course bright rich red noses mean good health and good water quality.

Best of luck! I'd double the amount of water changes you are doing and keep track of your nitrate levels, keep them as low as you can, under 20ppm is best.

I hope this helps!
Karen~