View Full Version : 3 tiger barbs in one gallon tank?
Mrs. Burns
02-10-2006, 3:21 PM
My mom went and bought me one tiger barb and two green tiger barbs. The only tank I have is the one gallon I asked about before. How long will they survive in this tank? It's snowing here and may be a day or two before I can get to the fish store. Another thing, my tiger barb is chasing and trying to nip the green tiger barbs. Is this because he's a male and the others are females or what? (I don't know how to tell their sex.) But the tiger barb is smaller than the other two. :huh: Could someone please help!
shaunakadub
02-10-2006, 3:27 PM
I could be wrong because I am also new to this hobby, but you most likly will be OK if the water is good, there is some air in the water, AND you are going to move them to a larger tank ASAP.
Problem with moving them ASAP will of course be the fact that a new tank wont be cycled. I'm almost 100% sure someone with better knowledge will reply in short time, so don't panic yet!
got a bucket?
sorry that was a joke
is your 1 gallon tank heated?
it sounds like you're stuck for the moment- barbs are nippy especially with out much swimming room.
you have to get to the store as quick as you can you can get a 10 gallon set up with heater and filter for around $30 sometimes less if you decide to go this route read up on cycleing and tiger barbs eventuall you could add 1 more and have a very active enjoyable tank
if you can't get a new tank for them you'll need to return or axchange them.
until you can get to the store and do one of these things don't feed them- they can go a week w/o food and then they won't be poluting thier own water quite as badly.
you should change the water 2 times a day until then to be on the safe side
empty the water until there's just enough for the fish to be up right and them add water that you have conditioned and is within a couple degrees of the water that they're in
the water should be between 68 and 79 degrees farenheight
good luck!
Madkins
02-10-2006, 3:42 PM
I have two tiger barbs, one of them is growing a huge belly and chases the other tiger barb all over the tank. Is the fat fish pregnant and why is it chasing the other tiger barb? It doesn't chase the other fish.
you are kind of hi-jacking this thread you should start another for your question
graphicdesign_r
02-10-2006, 4:20 PM
Barbs are quick, darting swimmers and won't last long in that tank at all. They are far too aggressive to overstock.
Again, appreciative of the situation you need to move those fish ASAP. I would even recommend having someone with open tank space (if you know anyone) hold them while you cycle your new tank.
Roan Art
02-10-2006, 4:20 PM
They're all tiger barbs, regardless of color, and he is nipping the others just because he can. Tigers can be viscious little so and sos and need to be in very large schools to quell their aggression. They also need a 30g tank, but I think you know that :)
Just make sure the water quality is fine for now and hope for the best. You've no way of separating them or taking them back to the store right now, so there is really nothing you can do about it until you can.
Roan
Mrs. Burns
02-10-2006, 5:50 PM
Ok, my tank is heated and has a pump. When the snow goes away, I am at least getting a 20 gallon tank. Will this be big enough for my 3 tiger barbs, and maybe add 3 more? Or do I need 30 or bigger? This is my new hobby and I'm taking it seriously! I absolutely love my betta that I've had for almost 3 years. Thank you so much for the quick responses!
Roan Art
02-10-2006, 5:56 PM
Ok, my tank is heated and has a pump. When the snow goes away, I am at least getting a 20 gallon tank. Will this be big enough for my 3 tiger barbs, and maybe add 3 more? Or do I need 30 or bigger? This is my new hobby and I'm taking it seriously! I absolutely love my betta that I've had for almost 3 years. Thank you so much for the quick responses!
If you have the space, I would get a 30 long for tiger barbs. They are pretty active and, from what I've read, a school of 10 is best.
If you have to get a 20, get a 20 long and not a 20 high. They don't need the height and cut back the school to six. They can get pretty big.
Roan
Drekkyk
02-10-2006, 6:43 PM
If your in the detroit area, I can house them for you. My tank is fishy cycling, but I only have 10 barbs in 110g, and my ammonia is barley readable. Tank should be good for 3 more..
Roan Art
02-10-2006, 7:47 PM
If your in the detroit area, I can house them for you. My tank is fishy cycling, but I only have 10 barbs in 110g, and my ammonia is barley readable. Tank should be good for 3 more..
Heck, where in Westland are you, Drekkyk? It's a small place and we used to live there. Moved to VA in Dec of '99.
Roan
Mrs. Burns
02-10-2006, 7:55 PM
If your in the detroit area, I can house them for you. My tank is fishy cycling, but I only have 10 barbs in 110g, and my ammonia is barley readable. Tank should be good for 3 more..
LOL! I live far from Michigan. But, my aunt is going to keep them for me until I get my tank and get it cycled and ready for them. Thanks alot anyways, though!!! Hey, can anyone tell me how to tell if they are male or female?
absmin
02-10-2006, 8:18 PM
I think a 10 gallon tank should be enough for 3. Sure, for 3 they'll chase each other a lot but as long as the tank house only those 3, I don't think it's really a big deal. You need to do water change weekly once they get a large. 15 or 20 should be enough to house 5 or more.
I've read that you need more than 6 to really get the aggression out of them, but I have 5 in my 30gal with 2 other gouramies and a red-fin shark, and they're doing fine. They occasionaly fight and mainly among themselves. I think it keeps them active and fun to watch.
I think the females are more colorful. Their fins are a little bit redder than the males. But it's been known that tiger barbs rarely breed in tanks, so you shouldn't be so concerned.
Mrs. Burns
02-10-2006, 9:29 PM
I think a 10 gallon tank should be enough for 3. Sure, for 3 they'll chase each other a lot but as long as the tank house only those 3, I don't think it's really a big deal. You need to do water change weekly once they get a large. 15 or 20 should be enough to house 5 or more.
I've read that you need more than 6 to really get the aggression out of them, but I have 5 in my 30gal with 2 other gouramies and a red-fin shark, and they're doing fine. They occasionaly fight and mainly among themselves. I think it keeps them active and fun to watch.
I think the females are more colorful. Their fins are a little bit redder than the males. But it's been known that tiger barbs rarely breed in tanks, so you shouldn't be so concerned.
Really? I would like to have at least 6. So a 20 gallon should be big enough?
Drekkyk
02-10-2006, 9:41 PM
Roan,
I'm at Joy and middlebelt, right on the livonia boarder. I'm originally from Mt. Clemens, but spent time in WA, MS, and AZ while in the military. (Korea too). Got a great job in dearborn and hate commutes, so Westland / Livoinia was it for me :)
Drekkyk
Drekkyk
02-10-2006, 9:47 PM
I think a 10 gallon tank should be enough for 3. Sure, for 3 they'll chase each other a lot but as long as the tank house only those 3, I don't think it's really a big deal. You need to do water change weekly once they get a large. 15 or 20 should be enough to house 5 or more.
I've read that you need more than 6 to really get the aggression out of them, but I have 5 in my 30gal with 2 other gouramies and a red-fin shark, and they're doing fine. They occasionaly fight and mainly among themselves. I think it keeps them active and fun to watch.
I think the females are more colorful. Their fins are a little bit redder than the males. But it's been known that tiger barbs rarely breed in tanks, so you shouldn't be so concerned.
Well, The 10 barbs in my tank are very active. I originally thought 40-50 + a few gouramis to keep them schooled would work out. Now my thinking is different. After seeing how hyper these buggers are, I'm thinking about 30 tops, and I have no idea what I will use to help facilitate schooling. I love their activity and their "non shyness". WOW, just saw them doing that twirl thing for dominance...first time since I had them and while writing this post. That was neat!
Drekkyk
Drekkyk
02-10-2006, 9:49 PM
Oh one more thing...
I think the females are smaller and less colorful. Sorry for so many posts...LOL
Mrs. Burns
02-10-2006, 10:04 PM
Hey, we just measured the bar between my living room and kitchen and he's buying me a 50 or 55 gallon!!! So I'm not so worried now! I'm excited! I've heard that the larger the tank the easier to maintain, so I guess we'll find out!!
Drekkyk
02-10-2006, 10:10 PM
That's Great!! I'd say go with a good school of Barbs :) Also, ensure you buy the filter and other things online. I couldn't believe the price difference! I did buy some stuff at the higher rate at the LFS, but I felt bad after talking with them, then buying a whole set up elswhere. Anyway, an Aquaclear filter 110, (Which would work good for you IMHO) was 80 bucks at the LFS, but could be purchased for 40 or less online. GOOD LUCK!
Roan Art
02-10-2006, 10:19 PM
Cool! With a 55g, look at getting two filters, one for each end. That will make sure you have a good flow of water going and no dead spots devoid of oxygen. Can't have too much filteration :)
Roan
Roan Art
02-10-2006, 10:29 PM
I'm at Joy and middlebelt, right on the livonia boarder. I'm originally from Mt. Clemens, but spent time in WA, MS, and AZ while in the military. (Korea too). Got a great job in dearborn and hate commutes, so Westland / Livoinia was it for me :)
DrekkykWe lived on St. Joe -- Cherry Hill Rd./S. Newburgh Rd./Warren Rd. area. About 7 miles from you :) We only lived there for a few months, though. Bought the house in March of '99 and in Dec '99 my husband was transferred to Herndon, VA. He's from NE and MI and I'm from Ontario, Canada.
I've neighbours that just moved in. Came from Seoul, military. Dunno what he does. Neighbours that just moved out, military, pathologist. He worked three days a week at the Pentagon and was 20 mins away from work on 9/11. Man he was lucky.
Anyhow, nice to meet you :)
Mrs. Burns,
Sorry for the little hijack. Not often you meet someone that could have been a neighbour ;)
Roan
Mrs. Burns
02-10-2006, 10:35 PM
You two are too cute. :) Hey, do any of you know what kind of fish you can put in with tiger barbs? Or are they just better by themselves? And do they like to hide like in caves or plants?
Drekkyk
02-11-2006, 12:06 AM
Roan,
Nice to meet you! I was at Osan in Korea, but spent some time in Soul. I did calibrations for 6 years, then changed to communications. I'm now an Intrusion Detection Engineer for SAIC, working on a contract for the Defense Logistics Agency. Ok, 'nuff about me :).
Mrs. Burns,
My experience with Barbs is limited, as I've only had some for 6 days. I can tell you this, they are not into hiding but enjoy plants. Very active and hyper; entertaining to watch!
Roan Art
02-11-2006, 6:59 AM
You two are too cute. :) Hey, do any of you know what kind of fish you can put in with tiger barbs? Or are they just better by themselves? And do they like to hide like in caves or plants?
You really have to be careful of what you put in with tigers. They are very nippy and will go after anything that has prominate fins or appendeges. They will go after each other as well.
Most recommend that, if you want to keep other fish with tigers, you keep the barb school very large (min 10) so that they pick on each other instead of others. Some have reported that that didn't even help. Some have no problems at all, however IME the majority have had problems.
Since they are schooling fish, they don't hide. They do like plants, tho.
I had tigers for 4 months and took them back to the LFS. At first they were fine with the other fish, but I found that the older they got, the more aggressive they got. They were in a 20g high (24x12x16) and I can say from experience that *anything* smaller than a 20L (30x12x12) is way too small for even three of them. They get pretty big (3") and are very active. A 55g would be a great size for a nice school of them.
As for companions, I would try other semi-aggressive fish, but not gouramis or any other fish that has feelers or larger fins.
Roan