12g stocking issue

[bkahl]

I have a 12g tank and currently have 3 tiger barbs and 2 red glass barbs in it. After learning more about the species, I am thinking that my tank is not quite right for at least the tiger barbs.

I am going to give away 2 of the tiger barbs (if you are interested pm me) and will give the third away when it recovers from the nipping its tank-mates have done.

What about the red glass barbs? Are they ok in a 12g or do they need more space as well? They are much more peaceful and don't seem to nip at all, but I am not sure if they would do better in a larger tank.

Please help. I want to make sure my fish have the best home.

[irmuddled]

The red glass barbs definitively need a larger tank. Even if right now they're rather small, remember that they grow up to around 5" and are very active. They're peaceful, but they need lots of swimming space and in a tank that small they'll get stressed out -- not to mention they should be in schools of around 5 or more, and a school that big in a 12g is way too much.

It's probably easier to return these fish to your LFS, most of them take store credit or if you bought them recently you can get a refund. There's plenty of colorful lovely fish appropriate for a 12g, but imo neither of those . . .

[jpappy789]

:iagree: Both need more space.

[wakingupnow]

I think it would be a better idea to give away all the Barbs as they need quite a bit more room and to possibly get some livebearers (Mollies, Guppies, Platies, Swordtails, Endler's Livebearer). If you go with 2-3 of the Livebearers, you can put 3 small Corydoras in there as well or a few Pomacea Bridgesii (Mystery Snails).

[jm1212]

just give away all of the barbs at once.

then, you can pick a school of smaller tetras, such as neons, cardinals, glolites, or embers for your tank, as well as a centerpiece such as a dwarf gourami or honey gourami.

[bkahl]

I have actually found someone to take the tiger barbs. The red glass barbs are going into my 29 gallon and I will be getting 4 more of them. I think they will be happy in there. Correct me if I'm wrong.