kld2113

I have a 10 gallon tank for about 3 years now and I just recently moved. In the move, none of my fish survived except for one hardy paradise fish. He was alone in the tank for a few weeks until this weekend when I finally got to the store. I added to the tank 3 tiger barbs and a rainbow fish at the recco of the store.
I've been reading here I should have more tiger barbs but so far this week, they seem to be getting along great. They keep to themselves and school around together.
The rainbow fish is another story. The paradise fish is bothering him, not so much chasing him but more swimming up to him and putting his mouth up alongside the rainbows body, not quite sure what this is? but the rainbow does not like it. I took the paradise out last night for an hour and while I did, the rainbow was swimming happily around. However, once I added him back in, the problems returned.
The rainbow hides and does not come up for food. I'm worried he will starve or die from being stressed out. Does anyone have an advice for me? I'm guessing these guys are not compatible but is there a way to fix this now that I've already purchased?

Red1313

Well first things first. WELCOME FOR FISHLORE!!!
Rainbows like to have schools or at least 3 but more is better. What kind of rainbow is it do you know? Most of them need tanks at least 36" long b/c they like room to move. Also the Paradise fish when young it's ok in a 10 gal but as they get older they do need at least a 20 gal. Same for the tiger barbs.

Paradise fish are gorgeous and is one of my favorites but they aren't the best community tank fish and with the rainbow being so peaceful it doesn't stand a chance against him. I think that the best way to solve this would be a bigger tank or a seperate tank for either the rainbow or the paradise fish. I can't think of anything that would work to seperate them in a 10 gal. Sorry.

luvlee11

If you have to and things dont work out... you could probably trade the rainbow... or the paradise fish... with a different more friendly fish that would get along with everyone at your pet store...... good luck!!!!!

kld2113

thank you for your comments, its interesting because this is what the fish store reccomended - I guess I shouldn't always listen to them

So If the store is willing to take back the rainbow for something else, is there another fish that someone could reccomend that would get along with my 3 tiger barbs and the paradise, within a 10 gallon tank?

And yes, I know eventually these fish will outgrow this size tank so hopefully when that time comes, I can afford a larger tank. however, now the barbs are not even an inch and the paradise is small, maybe 2 or 2.5 inches max

agabr123

i would up the number of tiger barbs, they do best in a school of six but that would be a little cramped in your 10 gallon, i'd just get one more for now. the bigger the school they have the less aggression they will show.

Red1313

I second Agabr, the Paradise fish will hold his own ground against pretty much anything. And the Tigers like a bigger school.

kld2113

Thanks for the advice, so if I put 1 or 2 more tiger barbs, that sounds like it would be okay?

Can I add a shrimp to this as well? I have a bunch of tiny tiny snails that just appeared one day, so I'm thinking something that may keep that under control?

kld2113

Sorry for all the questions but one more - if I added 1 or 2 more of the tiger barbs, is it possible to add a different type of barb instead? Or do they only school with their exact species?

Red1313

Different colored tiger barbs will school togeather but most tetras stay with their own kind. For snails just make sure not to over feed and they'll stay under control. The shrimp will likely become someone's lunch.

kld2113

So if I take out the rainbow, and add two orange/gold tiger barbs with the 3 green tiger barbs I currently have, that should be fine even though they look different? Sorry for all the questions, just want to make sure.

Also, would I take all the barbs out and add them in at the same time or can I just add the new ones in? I ask because from what I understand, the barbs establish a hierarcy so would the new barbs automatically become targets?