cherry barb???

mkbyrne

AC Members
Jun 2, 2009
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Hi, I have a 20 gallon tank with 4 swordtails, and 1 angelfish, I am putting in a panda cory tommorrow. I have heard that a cherry barb would be fine to go into the tank. However, I have also heard that it would not be a good idea to do so. Does anyone know how a cherry barb would fare in this tank? thanks.
 
Cherry Barbs are very peacefull and would most likely get along great with anyone that can't eat them.

How is your angelfish's temperament? If there was any problem whatsoever it would be the Angelfish going after the barbs.



Personally though, I'd reconsider getting a lone Corydoras. They like to be in groups. Either get multiple or none.
 
the panda cory needs at least 3 more friends IMHO and so would the cherry barb resulting in an over stocked tank. you may already be pushing it with the 4 swords. cherry barbs are also said to be a bit nippy, but I have never seen this behavior done to other fish. you may want to rethink your stock a bit. good luck!
 
cherry barbs are also said to be a bit nippy, but I have never seen this behavior done to other fish.

I think when people say Cherry Barbs are nippers it's because they are "Barbs" and barbs as a whole get a bad rep. Certainly Tiger Barbs and Rosy Barbs have that reputation- Cherries are supposedly the most easy-going Barbs around.

Mine certainly get along great with everyone in the community tank and perhaps the most peacefull inhabitants I have. Maybe there are more aggressive Cherry Barbs out there... I dunno- I suspect it is more the reputation of their kin bringing them down.
 
You need more corys, say four at least but more is a lot better, and although chery barbs are known to be peaceful they too should really be kept in groups especially to reduce the risk of nipping

:)
 
thank you all for the tips. this is the first tank i have had. My kids want to add color to the tank, what could i add that won't overcrowd a 20 gallon tank. (Individual fish)
 
I think--but I'm not sure--that the angel will get too big for that tank. I don't have any experience with angels, so maybe someobe else can comment.

Have you considered swapping the angel out for a group of something smaller and more colorful? I know, with kids, they might not be into the idea of taking it back to the store :)

If your kids like panda cories, they might really like kuhli loaches. http://www.loaches.com/species-index/pangio-kuhlii

Kuhlis are small, colorful, and look like eels. Like panda cories, they are social and need to be in a group. But, as I understand it, their impact on bioload is very low, so maybe you could get away with a group in your 20.

Have you thought of upgrading to a 30? It'd be pretty easy to just move your filters and everything over, and have an instant tank cycle in the 30.
 
thank you all for the tips. this is the first tank i have had. My kids want to add color to the tank, what could i add that won't overcrowd a 20 gallon tank. (Individual fish)


Not many fish like to be alone.

For colour I'd go with the Cherry barbs. Whoever said they were aggressive probably has them confused with Rosy barbs.

A small group of Kuhli loaches is also a good possibility.
 
Actually, one colourful fish that you can keep alone is a dwarf gourami or honey gourami.

I just re-read your OP. If you are adding a cory, you probably should add several, they like company, and you will be pushing your bioload, as swordtails and angels get quite big.

Maybe you should start checking Craigslist for a 55g. :grinyes:
 
thank you all for the tips and suggestions. I am looking to get some bigger tanks but i want to make sure i can make this one work first. It is my first tank after all. I am getting a 75 gallon tank from a friend in about a month for 100$. (includes decorations, gravel, filter, basically th whole nine yards.) thinking of making it a cichlid tank. i'm sure i'll be back on asking more newbie questions. Again thank you for all your help!
 
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