Tiger barb tank up-grade

[sarcare]

As some of you might recall, I have a 20gh with seven tiger barbs. There were 9, but I lost two of them due to stress. Now they are really showing their agression. When posting earlier, some one pointed out that a 30g was the min size for tiger barbs.

So I'd like to kill two birds with one stone, and move up from a 20h to either a 30 or a 38g and add more tigers.

I'd like to add more females--as I seem to only have one--which is constantly harrassed. Would bringing the school up to say 12 barbs in a 38g tank help spread out the agression? If I can figure out which are female in the store (which is hard as all get out with barbs), what would be a good ratio for m/f with barbs?

 

[H3D]

Idealy 2 females for every male would work best.

 

[sarcare]

It is just so hard to sex the tiger barbs, and I don't know how many barbs I can fit in a 38g tank. It will be a species only tank, with maybe some bottom feeder that can withstand the barbs--but most likely just the barbs.

So I'd put the current:
1 female albino
1 probable male albino, and
1 probable male green
1 maybe female green
3 for sure male tigers

with 5-6 female tigers (I don't want any of the color morphs as I find them to be less hearty)

Any suggestions as to how to sex the barbs? Also, my current barbs are not exactly the same size--one is notable smaller--should the new barbs be as big as the biggest or smaller?

 

[icecubez189]

bigger the tank the better

 

[Grundy]

The barbs will use most of the tank (all levels) but will hang mostly in the middle. They have a tendency to patrol back and forth across the tank so they will use as much room as you can give them (lengthwise). Also, they are a relatively high energy fish so having more surface area at the top helps to maintain oxygen levels. Definitely upgrade if you have the money and space.

 

[sarcare]

I just heard back from the guy selling the tank (20$ for a 38g! woot!), and the barbs will have a new home in a 38g tank. That is three feet long and 20 inches wide and one foot tall. So they should be pretty happy with the space. Any tips on sexing the barbs?