View Full Version : Has anyone kept Tiger Barbs with Cardinal Tetras?
Lostchemist
10-22-2003, 11:43 AM
I was wondering if anyone has kept Cardinal Tetras with tiger barbs and had sucess?
If i keep them in groups should i be fine?
If bought they would be in a 30 gal tank that is planted.
Haven't bought yet wanted to see you opinions and suggestions.
PumaWard
10-22-2003, 12:38 PM
I wouldn't try it. I mean, you could probably save a penny or two and try it with neons first... but then if the barbs are aggressive with them... the fish will still be picked on and then probably get sick.
mickey
10-22-2003, 5:23 PM
Iv'e kept them both togather in the past without a problem,
TB's are notorious fin nippers, but mostly in the case of long
finned fish like guppies, bettas and angel fish ect.
Keep the TB's ina group of 6 or more and you should be ok.
Cheers.
Captain Hook
10-22-2003, 7:50 PM
I've read that it also helps to add the tiger barbs after the other fish so they do not feel like it is their territory as much. Makes sense to me that they are less likely to feel like they own the place.
Lostchemist
10-23-2003, 10:37 AM
I def will put in the tetras first, prob to cycle the tank. Thanks guys. Will update when tank is set up! I will prob watch the tank like a hawk when adding the tiger barbs.
F.sparverius
10-23-2003, 6:35 PM
We had 3 Tiger Barbs with Red and Black tetras, Rosy Barbs and Zebra Danios with no problem. However it was in a 55 gallon tank.
When we added neons a few months later and the black tetras and tiger barbs ate them all.
Cardinal/Neon Tetras are not hardy! You shouldn't use them during cycling. Tiger Barbs are much hardier, but do you have any other fish you plan to add eventually?
Lostchemist
10-24-2003, 12:30 PM
Well beside tiger barbs i was thinking dwarf gourimis, oto's, pleco's.
What else do you think would be good. Something semi-aggressive would prob be best.
Platinum
10-25-2003, 6:29 AM
I reckon regardless of their schooling behaviour, still the tiger barbs will find it all too tempting to nip the tetras.....keke. :D
Have tried it once 2 years ago, eventually i had lotsa tattered fin neon tetras so much so that we had to transfer the tiger barbs out to the artificial pond to thrive with the "lobster"... :)
It's a No No. :)
I struggled with the same topic as well when I was about to setup my first community tank and found out very quickly that not many species are compatible with Tiger Barbs. The safe choices are larger Gouramies (Pearl Gourami might work), red-tail shark (again requires a large tank, probably 55g+), smaller loaches (Clown Loach, still grows quite large at 4 inches), larger cories (the ones which reach about 2.5 inches or larger) and plecos (Bristlenose is nice, but still grows to 4-5 inches). Kribs can handle them too...
My conclusion? I've decided not to consider the Tiger Barb for my 1st tank which was a 25g (30x12x16). The size crossed out just about every species that are compatible with Tiger Barb... :D
What dimension is your 30g? Is it 30 inches long or 3 feet long?
Lostchemist
10-29-2003, 11:37 AM
THe tank is 3 feet long. I was thinking about a couple of blue rams? Does anyone think they would mix with tiger barbs?
Coreys are also on my list of posibilities...
OrionGirl
10-29-2003, 12:34 PM
Please consider fishless cycling. It will give you ample time to spick your stocking list, and allow you to choose fish that are more sensitive, as well as being able to add the territorial fish last. There are several threads in the Archives that cover fishless cycling, and provide links to step-by-step instructions.
Lostchemist
10-29-2003, 10:10 PM
Well i haven't bought the tank yet I am just trying to get your guys opinions on what co-exist with my tiger barbs...i take your opinions seriously and then go ahead to finish my research to pick the right fish. I just need it narrowed down. As for cycling, I will prob do it with no fish, although i have heard that if i take some gravel from an already established tank, place it in a bag and add it to the filter it can help set up a bio system in the filter.
Dont you have to add amonia to help cycle the tank. I was just thinking of useing my pre-existing tigers to help aid in that process.
OrionGirl
10-30-2003, 8:06 AM
Yes, you can use media from an established tank to seed a new tank--or, start it up with a low fish load. However, if ammonia levels are detectable by our hobbyist kits, it's high enough to burn gills and kill fish. Adding ammonia to feed the bacteria instead is kinder, and means your fish will be around longer. Any source of ammonia though--fish food, or chunk of raw shrimp, will work without hurting live fish.
vanguy
10-30-2003, 6:46 PM
I am not sure why my barb and rams dont get along. maybe it is because there hasnt been many fish in the tank for awhile and the barb has gotten ownerish for the tank. I had three neons in there, and one by one they disappeared misteriously. Anyhow, I figured i would add apic of what has been happening to my rams in two days.
I've always found that the best way to start a new tank is to use stuff from a tank that is already established. If I were you, I'd go ahead & buy another HOB filter & add it to your largest tank, then move it to the new tank in a couple of weeks. Transfer over a little gravel, decorations, etc. if you can. Then, just add fish slowly. JMO, Good Luck!