55 Gallon Tank Suggestions

[redrf900]

Hi Guys,

I checked this morning and my 2 loaches Whitey and Bobo seemed MUCH happier after I transferred 3 green barbs into their new 55 gallon home. Last week ALL 5 of their friends died due to what , I believe) was an anaerobic bacteria pocket. Now my computer room 29 gallon tank just has 2 tiger barbs and 2 blue gouramis. I realize that barbs should be kept in a school, but I'm afraid of taking out the last 2 barbs. The gouramis seemed REALLY sad after I transferred the greens to the 55. You guys can think I'm nuts but here goes..I STRONGLY believe that fish have emotions and or "grieve" to an extent. After the barbs in the loach tank died, the loaches aren't themselves. They don't like to come out and say "hi" like they used to. They were swimming around and socializing with the 3 barbs I transferred, but that was ONLY with the light off. As soon as I put the lights on, they took cover.
Should I just add a few "new" barbs from the LFS to EACH tank???. This way no one has "all new" neighbors in their tank.
I'm also thinking of getting another loach for the loach tank.
Do you think I could add a Bala shark in with the loaches??? I saw them mixed that way at the LFS , but never heard of anyone mixing them before.
THANKS for any and all suggestions.
P.S. Gouramis are 4"..Barbs are the size of a quarter, and the loaches are a solid 4-5"and about as thick as my thumb

Jimmy G

[VoodooChild]

The loaches probably came out when the barbs were out because they're what's known as "dither" fish. Basically you add a schooling fish to make the more timid fish feel like everything is ok, so they'll come out. If it's a new environment they'll probably still be timid, so give them some time. I had a clown that usually only came out at night and a kulhi that I'd see maybe once every 2 or 3 months. As for more barbs with the gouramis, I'd be hesitant if they're tigers. Something as nippy as tiger barbs could have alot of fun nipping the pectorals of gouramis. And yes, balas would be fine with loaches, but they do get big, so keep that in mind.

[redrf900]

Thanks Voodoo.. The gouramis definately "rule the roost" in the computer room tank due to their size alone. The loaches will push the barbs around too, when they get out of hand. How big do the balas get? Do you think they would outgrow the 55?? Also can you mix a bala with green barbs??Thanks
Jimmy G

[VoodooChild]

Yes you can mix them, but I'd get at least 3 balas, whom are shoalers. They can get to be a foot. Whether or not they'll be ok in a 55 is debatable. Most say a 75 is needed, but I think you'd be ok until they hit 10". I'd doubt they'd get much bigger than that.

[redrf900]

Wow, That is big!!!

I may just end up getting a few more loaches and barbs. ;-)

[VoodooChild]

You've got a good theme tank going there (Asian). Perhaps some larger danios, like giants, or some rainbow sharks would be cool too. Brilliant rasboras are nice. Just a thought:)

[redrf900]

Thanks Voodoo!! :-) I stopped by the LFS last night. I picked up a nice clown loach, 2 tiny green barbs, and a 3 inch rainbow shark.
You're right ...They ARE cool!!! :-) at least he doesn't hide all day like the loaches. ;-) Thanks again for the great advice..
........................................Jimmy G................................................. ...