Tiger Barb as Dither

R

rosswake

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Aug 7, 2006
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I've just stumbled upon a larger tank than my 55 and am doing some research on dither fish that would do well with my cichlids. I plan on moving all three of them to the "like new" 125 gallon tank. I really want to get some dither fish that would be out in the open and create some more action to the tank than what is currently going on. I was thinking about a small school of tiger barbs, but heard that they don't do well as dither fish with Cichlids. I would love to hear some opinions and thoughts on what you guys/gals think. Past and current experiences would be good too.

See Signature for current stock

Would like to add 3-7 tiger barbs if they would do well, but want info first. The LFS has small-medium sized ones of 1-2 inches.
Thanks for your help.
 
I am using the Bucktoothed Tetra as my dithers, I have 3 of them in my 90 gallon tank and they are working out great! Not sure about using tiger barbs as dithers as they might get eaten.
 
I'm looking for something that is pretty easy to find. I've never seen a bucktoothed tetra at the LFS's around my area. Do you have any other suggestions? I was thinking about getting a few Silver Dollars, but they are a lot more expensive than many of the other fish I was looking at.
 
I've had decent success with tiger barbs, but I also like rosy barbs. They get a little bigger, the males have a nice red color, they stay higher in the tank, they swim side to side, and they aren't as nippy as tigers can be. A lot depends on the size of your cichlids; for larger fish, giant danios or silver dollars might work better.
 
yeah, I am thinking that I might as well spend the extra couple of bucks and get some silver dollars. they are pretty cool looking fish, kinda pirahna like!! they'd look good schooling around in my tank. then again, I've heard a lot of good things about Giant Danios! I am going to research those too. I wonder if they are available at Petsmart. does anyone know?
 
I really like my 3 silver dollars in my Oscar/Dempsey 65 gallon.
They have worked out great.
HTH
Eric
 
Giant Danio's are very popular, active dither fish for CA cichlids, as are Silver Dollar's. Another option are the colourful rainbowfish, although you either love or hate the shape of these fish.
 
Since these are hard to find (bucktoothed Tetra) I would go with 3-4 silver dollars they are nice looking and also stay at the top of the tank. You will see immediate results with your chiclids.

Good luck! :rolleyes:
 
Get Red Hook Silver Dollars over the regular ones. I sure wish I did. They look so much better.
 
Is it really true that you need at least three silver dollars? Would 2 be enough, or would they really stress themselves out? Also, with the size of my cichlids, do I have to buy silver dollars that are the same size or can I get smaller silver dollars? Thanks
 
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