infynite

I read a few threads about tiger barbs and their aggressive nature. I have 3 of them and feel I made a bad choice to start my new tank with them. I need to know what is the best mates for them (other barbs, bala shark...etc). I would like a colorful variety of fish, but want to make sure they don't attack each other. Help me out "Gods/Godesses of FishLore" Thanks in advance!

TFA101

You've added them first, giving them the chance to think about the fact that they were there first, so they will now attack pretty much anything you add to the tank. your tank is pretty big, I would try to divide it temporarily and add some other fish like tiger barbs, danios, active and rowdy fish. The only other thing I would attempt to add would be the corydoras species, the small catfish.

mathas

Adding more tiger barbs can help spread the aggression around, so they spend more time chasing each other and less time harassing tankmates. One nice thing about tiger barbs is that they school regardless of color variety, so if you want some variation, you can add some green tiger barbs and some albino/gold tiger barbs.

You mentioned a bala shark as a possible tankmate, but be warned that they get too large for a 55 gallon tank, and do best in groups. If you like the freshwater shark look, a red-tailed black shark stays around 6" and can handle itself around barbs. Just make sure you provide some type of cave for it to claim as a territory, and it should work fine.

infynite

Update: Thanks for the response. I just added 3 more tiger barbs to the tank with no conflicts. They seem to be huddled in one end of the tank behind some live plants. I like how active they were in the LFS and decided to go with them first in the tank ( Noobie mistake!). I want semi-aggressive fish that can get along together. Thanks for the advice TFA101!

Mathas: I might just get some cherries, green and albino/gold barbs in two weeks or so (Maybe one or two of each variety). However, the red-tail black shark may be an option as well. I just want to get my feet wet with the freshwater tank and hopefully in due time have enough experience to try a saltwater tank in a year or two.

Allie

Red tails still need at least 50g to be happy...they are very aggressive. 1 per tank.

TFA101

THe tank Infynite has is 55 from what I understand, so a red tail could work

infynite

On a side note....I have a betta in a 2.5 gal bowl and was wondering can I add him in the tank with my six tiger barbs? I don't think I should, but I might as well ask. Anyone?

capekate

that is a resounding NO!
You really do not want to add your betta in that tank with the tiger barbs and you will find from many here with the experience that Bettas really are better off by themselves.

infynite

Thanks! Someone had a link that had a compatability chart and seen this was a no-no!

infynite

This morning....my algae eater died. I have seen the tigers nipping at him, but I was not truly concerned because he naturally tries to aviod them. My tank ph, ammonia, and nitrates level are normal. Do anyone think that the six tigers killed it? He was just a bit bigger than the tigers barbs.

Devon

Yep, bettas do best alone, and there will be fighting, mauling, death, destruction, and all manner of chaos in that tank if you put a betta in that barb tank.

I keep one classic Tiger, two Green Barbs, and two Albino barbs along with a school of 8 Black Neon Tetras -- it is a very active, variegated, and beautiful tank!! I think most tetras are fine with Barbs, I know the neon varieties are at least.

infynite

It sounds like a great looking tank. That is my goal. I want to have a tank that is an eye-catching when someone enter the home. I know less is more, but variety is good also.

langman

your barbs could have took out your elgae eater. if you go with a red tail shark try to get the bigest one your LFS has. I got one with my tigers and the shark was really little. the barbs took out one of its fines and he died a few days later. but i really think they could do well together.

Steen16

how long did you have the algae eater some say they hardly make it past a month in a new tank but if they servive longer than that they should be ok

Jo3olous

could have died of stress from the barbs, (pleco a juve?) or if the pleco was sick by chance the barbs saw weakness and jumped on it... Either way you should be able to house plecos just fine with tigers

I have the set up people have been recommending for you now, but you're lucky because you have the large tank. I would get 20+ barbs mix it up with the variations and they will shoal together and form little gangs which will be so fun to watch. 1 RedTail would be a great centerpiece fish with them. You could even add some Tinfoil barbs to the mix but a school of those will out grow that tank; my 1 albino will outgrow mine eventually. CLOWN LOACHES are neat so consider those too. They're supposed to be in a school and they grow to be 8-12'' so you got some options. I have a loach and he's so fun to watch with my barbs, tries to be one of them sometimes lol. Can't wait for my new tank so I can get a school of loaches on ~ good luck with yours and keep us posted

Steen16

if you get loaches be careful cause they can get sick easy!

a 55g isnt big enuf for even one tinfoil
and you would need a very good filter

Steen16

minimum rateing is a 75g also they will eat fish that will fit in their mouths

Jo3olous

I thought this woud happen so how are they supposed to get along with other barbs