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View Full Version : Help - green tiger barb deaths



Shrlycat
09-07-2003, 1:34 PM
We (live-in boyfriend and I) have a two-gallon with one green tiger barb. This is the first barb we got. First we had him in a five-gallon with three tetras, but he was too aggressive, so put him in the two-gallon. We then got two more g-t barbs; they died after about a week. Water tested ok. Got one large barb (female I guess?) - the original barb seemed very happy with her -- stayed close to her and seemed to be nuzzling her; saw no aggressiveness or nipping. She died within a week. Water tested okay. Got a very small g-t barb (thinking it would acclimate better if very young); saw no aggressiveness by the original guy - new guy didn't last two days. Any idea why the original barb has survived, but every one since has died? (I use treated tap water and replace about 25% every two weeks - use Stress Coat each time and when adding new guys.)

ChilDawg
09-07-2003, 2:03 PM
Simply put, it's established. Whether or not you see aggression, with the low number of tigers in that tank, one will rise to dominance unchecked. You need at least a 20 for a sufficient school of tigers to avoid this problem...none can rise to dominance as they'll have to watch their backs in order to avoid being picked on.