dtb491

I have had my my cherry barbs(2 of them) for a few days now and at first they were really lively and chasing each other around but now they are slugish and wont swim much. they also have not been eating( or at least not while im around.) could there be something wrong with my tank? i have a 5 gallon tank and i used to have a betta in there so i dont knoiwwhat could be wrong...

Beth1965

Welcome to fishlore!!
Sorry about your fishies not doing so well.
Did you cycle your fish tank?
Beth

http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm
That link will give you great information in case you haven't cycled your tank.

Lucy

Welcome to Fish Lore

When things don't seem right with our fish the first thing to check are your water parameters.
Do you know the readings for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate? What's the temp of the tank?
If you don't have a test kit, it would be a good idea to get one.

Being that your tank is so new, it's a good guess that they're feeling the effects of a cycling tank.
Read the link Beth provided to give you a better understanding of what's going on.

If you haven't done so, a water change would probably do the some good. (test the water prior to changing it and post the results).

Good luck, I hope your fish feel better soon.

ABCDemily

Check the water parameters, much like Lucy said. And what did you do to cycle the tank after it had the betta in there?
Did you refill it and put in the barbs or did you add Tetra Safe Start of did you do a fishless cycle?
If you added them stright away, do a 50% water change (Take readings prior) and then do about 10% every two days.

And is it all filtered and heated etc? If it isn't, this could be a reason for lethargic fish.

I hope your barbs get well soon.

Ga-rr-ett

test water and stuff said above.
do you have a thermometer the temp should be in the green.
do water changes like was said above.
just do your research.

hope this helps

eiginh

I think they're not liking the water quality and cherry barbs like to be in schools of 6 or more as well therefore you must need to get a bigger tank at least 10. Listen to the advises suggested and also buy a water conditioner such as Prime or Amquel+

redlessi

this thread is pretty old, they may have it figured out by now.................

eiginh

LOL!! I just realized the date. thanks for the reminder!

aquarist48

Hello. I've closed this thread.
Thanks!
Ken