Golden Barbs Temperature

[By-tor]

So I am pretty set on getting some Golden Barbs to add to my 46 gallon. I have a few Black Skirts and 5 Cory Cats. The water temperature stays around 78-79 degrees. I have heard that Golden Barbs like cooler temperatures and I also have heard that they would be fine at 78-79 degrees. I was thinking of turning the temp down just a couple of degrees. I don't really want to change temps for the Corys or Tetras as they have been in there for about 4 years.
Just wanted some feedback on this. Maybe I am being too weird about this but I wanted to make sure before I go adding a school of Golden Barbs.

Thanks for any input,
Eric

 

[Lakefish]

I don't have any hard science to back up my opinion, but I think they would live a lot longer with temperatures much lower.
My old lady gold barb is at least eleven years old now, and tank temperature varies from about 65 for most of the year, to a couple months of 70+ in summer. Plus the occasional power outage where it might get down in the low fifties.

 

[Fishfur]

According to Seriouslyfish.com, their temperature range runs from 16-24C - or 60 - 75F. So I’d have to say Lakefish had great temperatures for a Golden barb.

 

[Noroomforshoe]

It seems like the barbs can adapt, but I hsve resd that living at higher temperatures speeds up there life cycle. You might consider a different species of fish.
Gold tetra, celebese rainbow, platties or sword tails.

 

[By-tor]

I have heard that as well. I guess I will keep looking for different options. The last thing that I want to do is be detrimental to any living thing. I will check out the Gold Tetras.
Thanks for everyone's input,

Eric

 

[ruud]

Several popular corydoras species hail from upper streams or subtropical areas matching unheated tanks in living rooms. Black skirts too, I believe, are also found in subtropical regions. I believe populations of Golden barbs have been found closer to the equator than black skirts....not that distance to the equator is the only variable determining water temperature of course.

My point is that many species of fish are fine in unheated tanks. Perhaps if the living room temperature drops below a certain value in winter, you might want to add a heater just to cover those months.

 

[A201]

I agree most Barb species do better at the lower temperatures.
I keep several varieties of Barbs and don't run heaters. All are kept at room temps. 65 - 78 degrees depending on the season.
I also keep several varieties of Cichlids and a few Diamond Tetras in those tanks. The cooler temps have no negative impact on them.
Your Corydoras and especially the Black Skirts would probably be fine at a temperature range of 72 - 74 degrees. Golden Barbs could still be an option.

 

[By-tor]

I agree most Barb species do better at the lower temperatures.
I keep several varieties of Barbs and don't run heaters. All are kept at room temps. 65 - 78 degrees depending on the season.
I also keep several varieties of Cichlids and a few Diamond Tetras in those tanks. The cooler temps have no negative impact on them.
Your Corydoras and especially the Black Skirts would probably be fine at a temperature range of 72 - 74 degrees. Golden Barbs could still be an option.

I was thinking that. I might think about slowly lowering the heater temperature over a weeks time so the current population wont be affected too much. Seems like whenever I find a fish that I would like to get, there is always some kind of hitch with it. HaHa!
I am just trying to do what is best for the fish.
Thanks again,

Eric

 

[By-tor]

A little update,
So I had slowly adjusted the heater to a consistent 77 degrees. The Black Skirts and Cory Cats seem to be doing great. I went ahead and got 8 Golden Barbs and got them settled in. They immediately took well to the tank. They started to get their color and seem very happy. They are eating well and the Black Skirts are sort of schooling with them. So far so good.
I am keeping a close eye on everyone. They all seem happy.

Eric