reborman

I've had a 29 gal. tank for three months now. When I got it I didn't know about the ammonia cycle but fortunately read up on it early on and was able to nurse 2 tiger barbs, 2 guppies, 2 swordtails, 1 african leaf fish, a clown loach and a zig zag yellow tail eel through the process. This required very frequent water changes and a lot of monitoring. The cycle completed about a month ago. While I have read about the barbs tendency to nip at other fish I never noticed any of this behavior and all the fish seemed happy and healthy. Last week I decided to add a couple of Plecos to help with algae control, and picked two small ones (1.5" or so). Two days later I found both guppies on the bottom of the tank with no fins or tails left. I also noticed that the yellow tail was burrowing in the gravel instead of hiding in his normal place in a cave. Three days later I find the african leaf fish dead, no tails or fins left. The yellow tail is still hiding under gravel instead of in his cave. I have never seen any of the barbs picking on the other fish. I am totally perplexed. Could the plecos be doing this? I thought they were non-aggressive. If not the plecos, why would the barbs suddenly change their behavior?

All of the fish are small at this point, and my intention is to go to larger tanks as they grow. I don't believe there is a crowding issue in the tank right now and I change 30% water every week (with a bit of aquarium salt) and monitor all parameters. The tank seems healthy to me. Any advice?

Mert16

Hi,
I'm a newbie too,but I've read that tiger barbs are notorious nippers. They should not be mixed with fish that have long fins. I really dont think it is the pleco. they are very docile fish. I've had barbs in the past and whether small or big they nip especially in larger schools.

Also I wanted to ask about your cycling. My tank has been up for about 8 weeks now and I too have had problems cycling the water. My ammonia has been high and I'm doing daily water changes as recommended. how often did you do yours and how did you finally know that your tank was cycled? could you see the parameters changing as you tested? I thought maybe mine weren't working or something, it gets frustrating, but I love fish. Did you add anything special? thanks

reborman

While I agree the barbs are suspect by virtue of their reputation, I don't know why their behavior would change so suddenly after that long having been peacefully cohabitating. You think the plecos being added is just coincidence?

Cycling. I monitored every day and did a 30% water change every other day which kept the ammonia levels from going too high. The ammonia dropped off drastically at around 6 weeks, then the nitrites spiked for about a week, then dropped off fast to nothing. I did add Cycle (a liquid additive purported to speed the process) but to be honest I don't know if it really helped much. I didn't change the chemical filter for the entire process because I didn't want the beneficial bacteria on the filter to be removed until the tank stabilized. I did vacuum once in the process but I think you should be careful doing that too for the same reason. Good luck, you should be getting close to seeing the ammonia drop to nothing. Once it does start dropping it really happens pretty fast, at least in my case it did.

Mert16

Thanks I sure hope it ends fast. And I think the pleco thing is coincidental. I read somewhere, wish I could remember to tell ya, that as barbs get bigger in size and in number they are more agressive. If I find it I'll let ya know. Good luck with the other fish remaining.

Butterfly

First- welcome to FishLore. we have people of all ages and experience levels from all over the world. You are most welcome here.

Now- Your tank is a bit over stocked.

The Clown loach needs to be kept in groups of three or more and will get 12 inches or more. They are real beauties but need at least a 75G tank.
http://www.loaches.com/species-index...a-macracanthus
Is this your eel? http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/p...CID=C12188x007 If so it will get over 2ft and will eat live food.
I really feel the eel is whats causing the problems.
The leaf fish is also a carnivore and will eat small fish(I know its dead).
Since Barbs are schooling fish they need to be in bigger groups to be happy and less nippy.
Plecos are huge waste producers even at a small size so keep an eye on your water test readings , especially for Ammonia and Nitrates.
just my
carol

COBettaCouple

Welcome to Fishlore. Tiger barbs are nippers and would be best in groups of six or more. A change in tank chemistry, decor, etc.. so many things can trigger a sudden change like that.