Aquabarb's run-in with tiger barb

[barbie]

Ive only gone and brought Tiger barbs - cant believe it.

I was originally planning to get a big group of schooling fish for one of my 5ft tanks, ordered some Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia lacustris) but then I got a bit concerned about the risk of TB, so I cancelled them and decided to visit my lfs instead.

Big Tetras were on my radar, I was looking at Bleeding hearts, Buenos aires, Red eyes etc, but then I saw these African Tetras that caught my eye. Still, being a sucker for barbs, I fell in love with the Tigers - they're just stunning in a big group.

Ive always wanted Tiger barbs at some point, but now I've got a dilemma on my hands.

They're currently in my 29g forest tank, just to make sure everything's okay, but I'd love to put them in my South American cichlid tank eventually. I could keep them where they are as a single species tank, might have to slim the group down once they're fully grown though. Or I could put them in the South tank - just need to do some research. I think the group size I have would keep any fin nipping at bay, but not sure if they're too active for the cichlids (Severums, Blue acara, Geo's). My Loaches/Picclytus/Tetras in other tanks don't seem to bother my other cichlids, so maybe it'll be alright.

Has anyone else had any experience with medium non-aggressive cichlids and Tiger barbs? Any issues I should be aware of?

[boomer]

I'd say the 29g tank is a decent size for the Tiger barbs, but it's on the smaller side, and I've read that 12-15 is the minimum number you should keep them in. Anything less than that and I've heard it can cause problems. Also, I don't think it's a good idea to mix them with other upper swimming fish.

My cichlids are pretty laid-back, but I can see how the Tiger barbs might be a bit too much for them. I've had good experiences with my Loaches, Piclytus, and Tetras in other tanks with cichlids, but this is a different story.

I've heard Black Ruby Barbs are a great alternative, and they look amazing, but I've got to say, the Tiger barbs have really grown on me.

[barbie]

I'd say the 29g tank is a decent size for the Tiger barbs, but it's on the smaller side, and I've read that 12-15 is the minimum number you should keep them in. Anything less than that and I've heard it can cause problems. Also, I don't think it's a good idea to mix them with other upper swimming fish.

My cichlids are pretty laid-back, but I can see how the Tiger barbs might be a bit too much for them. I've had good experiences with my Loaches, Piclytus, and Tetras in other tanks with cichlids, but this is a different story.

I've heard Black Ruby Barbs are a great alternative, and they look amazing, but I've got to say, the Tiger barbs have really grown on me.

I've had Black Ruby barbs in the past, actually had a few different types of barbs in my larger tanks, they're lovely fish. I agree with you on that one, boomer.

As for my Tigers, I'd either need to upgrade the 29g or slim down the group to keep them in a single species tank, I've got 21 at the moment and I know that's too many for the tank long term.

[boomer]

I want to clarify my previous suggestion about leaving the tigers in the 29g, I'm not advocating for it as a long-term solution, but rather a temporary fix given the circumstances. Returning some of the barbs might be a viable option. However, if you're considering moving them to a larger tank without any sedate fish, a group of this size could work well.

What's crucial here is the number of fish. Research has shown that this species is highly sensitive to group size. Studies have demonstrated that keeping them in small numbers, even as few as three or five, can lead to severe aggression and fin nipping within hours. In fact, the researchers involved in the study deemed it inhumane to keep them in such small groups and removed them from the experiment. A group of 10 was more manageable, but still exhibited some aggression.

[BadgersSong]

Considering your situation, I think keeping the large group of Tiger barbs in a single species tank is the way to go. You've already got 21, which is a good number, and if you maintain regular water changes, I reckon they'll thrive. In a group this size, I imagine they'd get along fine with some robust bottom-dwellers, but I'm not entirely sure - perhaps some experimentation or research is needed. Adding loaches or catfish might push the stocking limits a bit, though. Boomer, have you had any experience with Tiger barbs and bottom feeders - any insights would be appreciated. And, of course, we need some pictures of your new additions - can't wait to see them.

[barbie]

I'd say the 29g tank is a decent size for the Tiger barbs, but it's on the smaller side, and I've read that 12-15 is the minimum number you should keep them in. Anything less than that and I've heard it can cause problems. Also, I don't think it's a good idea to mix them with other upper swimming fish.

My cichlids are pretty laid-back, but I can see how the Tiger barbs might be a bit too much for them. I've had good experiences with my Loaches, Piclytus, and Tetras in other tanks with cichlids, but this is a different story.

I've heard Black Ruby Barbs are a great alternative, and they look amazing, but I've got to say, the Tiger barbs have really grown on me.

No plans to add any bottom dwellers, the Tigers will be the sole inhabitants if I decide to keep them in the 29g. To be honest, I don't think I'd need any, the Tigers are already entertaining to watch, even with the lights off while they settle in. They've been a delight to observe, their antics and movements keeping me engaged.

I've read that they have a strict hierarchy, similar to wolves, where the dominant individuals get to eat first and so on. It's pretty fascinating, and I'm looking forward to seeing this dynamic play out.

I'll be sure to take some pictures once they're fully settled in.

[barnicle]

Still waiting for those photos, would love to see them settled in.

[barbie]

My tigers are doing great, all settled in and showing off their lovely colours. Feeding times are just fantastic to watch, so much activity and energy. They really are beautiful fish and I'm thoroughly enjoying them.

Still undecided on their permanent home, I'm doing some more research to see how others have got on with them. I've been looking at bigger tanks this week, probably something in the 50-55g range if I do decide to upgrade.

Had a nightmare trying to get some pictures for you all, the room is terrible for glare - tiled floor, white walls and sunshine don't mix well. I'll get some better shots for you, but here are a few for now.

[sidthy]

Having a big enough group is key, and it sounds like you've got that covered. The real question is, is the tank big enough for them? From my experience, as long as they've got plenty of space, they become really peaceful.

Space is what they crave, after food, of course. I used to keep them in a similar-sized tank to yours, and they were always nippy and a bit of a handful. But that was also because the tank was packed with other fish. Since then, I've kept them in a 6x2x2, and it's a completely different story. With loads of space and a big group, they become their own little community, and they just ignore other fish.

It's amazing to watch, actually. They'll get themselves into this big ball, about a foot wide, and just roll down the tank, sorting out their issues. They're not hurting each other, it's more like they're playing. It's like watching a bunch of puppies.

The bigger the tank, the more peaceful they are towards other fish. When they're happy, with plenty of space, they just become too self-absorbed to care about other fish. A 50-gallon tank might just be big enough for that.

[barbie]

Having a big enough group is key, and it sounds like you've got that covered. The real question is, is the tank big enough for them? From my experience, as long as they've got plenty of space, they become really peaceful.

Space is what they crave, after food, of course. I used to keep them in a similar-sized tank to yours, and they were always nippy and a bit of a handful. But that was also because the tank was packed with other fish. Since then, I've kept them in a 6x2x2, and it's a completely different story. With loads of space and a big group, they become their own little community, and they just ignore other fish.

It's amazing to watch, actually. They'll get themselves into this big ball, about a foot wide, and just roll down the tank, sorting out their issues. They're not hurting each other, it's more like they're playing. It's like watching a bunch of puppies.

The bigger the tank, the more peaceful they are towards other fish. When they're happy, with plenty of space, they just become too self-absorbed to care about other fish. A 50-gallon tank might just be big enough for that.

Thanks @sidthy, I really appreciate your insight and experience with keeping tigers. It's reassuring to hear that they can be kept with other fish, given the right conditions. I've been doing some research this week and it seems that numbers and space are indeed key to their success in a community tank.

I was wondering if you could share some information about the fish you've kept with your tigers in your 6x2x2 tank? I've had some success with other barbs like Odessa's, Rosy's, Black rubies, and Denison's with my cichlids in the past, but tigers do seem to come with a bit of a warning label.

I'm still weighing my options, and I think I have two main choices: either keep them in a tank of their own, probably a 50+ gallon, or put them in one of my 125-gallon tanks.