V10L3T

In my tank I have 2 rosy barbs, 5 black neon tetras, 5 platies, and a Chinese algae eater. A few days ago I noticed that my two rosies were swimming in tight circles biting at each other. Then, one of my platies (I think it's a sunset or something like that) started sitting at the surface. Now two of my other platies have joined it. I was watching the first platy and the two rosies and now it looks like they've added him into their aggressive little... thing. Now it seems like whenever any other fish go near the platy he acts like he's dead (flips on side) or runs away. I'm wondering if he could be dying and/or if my rosies are getting to be bullies. If so, what can I do?? I don't have any other tanks or anything (my quarantine tank leaks) and I don't want to end up killing any of them. My tank is a ten gallon (which I didn't know was too small for 13 fish until after I got it all set up) and there are three plants (one is a Java fern [I think], one I'm not sure of, and one is a mini sword). All of my neons are doing fine and so are the other two platies. Can you tell me what's wrong with the problem five?

Tom

If you could possibly afford to get another 10 gallon, you could also get a few more rosy barbs so their aggression towards other fish isn't as high. Other than that, I am sorry I can't help you, I haven't had any experience with barbs.
Tom

V10L3T

Well, I don't have any money for another tank but my brother set his 30 gallon tank up for me (I don't have room at my house so its at his) and he wanted me to go with him and find fish to put in it and yada yada yada. I could just take my rosies over there but I don't really have a way to transport them. Would putting them in a glass jar (fish jar, not like a mason jar or anything) to get them there be ok?

Tom

Has the other tank cycled yet? If it has, when you go and get some fish, make sure you keep the clear plastic bag they come in and fill it with the water from your tank, put an elastic band around the top and transport to your brothers house and do the same thing as if they were just bought from the store. I did this at first until I had enough money to buy a big roll of the bags from the pet store. You could also get a few more rosy barbs so yours aren't lonely and start fights with other fish and something somewhat fast like a school of danios or rasboras would be nice with the bottom feeders you choose that would be suitable for the tanks.
Tom

V10L3T

Yeah, the tank has been set up for.. over a month already. I don't know if he left it up because the filter was being weird. I'll have to ask him about it when he stops by again. Thanks a lot for your help ^_^

Tom

Do you have water testing kits? If not, get some(ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH(optional for now)) and test the water to make sure everything is fine and dandy. If you do have those test kits, test the water the next time you have a chance to visit your brother and base your decisions from that.
Tom

COBettaCouple

I'd like to know the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate readings on your tank.. it sounds like a possible ammonia/nitrite poisioning and/or an aggression issue with barbs - they are known to be aggressive fish and platys are the most passive fish in there.. If you don't have the API master freshwater test kit - that is the one that i'd recommend.