Lonely Rosy Barb

Wont go into how dumb I was to get this before researching (before I started my own heated tank,but my daughter has had a lone rosy barb in a coldwater 8-10g tank,This barb was sharing tank with a Paradise fish purchased together from same tank at LFS,but it died last week.I was away at the time and daughter only told me when I returned so I don't know the reasons for its death.When I researched found out that rosy barbs should be in a school AND a much larger tank.I can't give it back to LFS as the don't have any stock of them to add to at the moment(not sure when they will get some more)Really don't want it to suffer in the 8-10g tank alone but don't really want to put it down.Would relocating it to my tank be possible(only mine is heated)I can't up the numbers of rosys as my tank is too small.but if I could would it be happier in a bigger tank even if on his own?Dilemma which ever way I go.

 

Since either way he is going to be a loner, I would put him in your tank. I do believe he would also like being in a heated tank (but I'm not sure of the temperature requirements for a Rosy barb, but am basing that on my Odessa barbs requirements).

 

HI Moneypenny, I agree with John, with those options I would add to your tank, your rosy will enjoy a heated tank much better. although they can live in a wide range (66-78) I think they really enjoy the tank in the 70's, and even as a loner it will definitely enjoy the bigger tank. I have some in a 55 gl and they are the most active in the tank. they never quit swimming.

 

Ok so if I add it to the tank what's the best way?Put bag in heated tank an let it acclimate to higher temp over a period of time?Add warmer water to the 8-10g tank and slowly heat it up to other tanks temp?The difference between the tanks temp is only 3degrees(summer here)

 

3 degrees is not bad at all, if you have a bag to put him in, I would just float him on top of heated tank for 20-30 minutes and it should be fine.

 

Thanks for help.Let you know if he gets alone with other tankmates.If not I can put him back in other tank.I do have a 300w heater that is a backup for my tank.Would this be too powerful to put on the 8-10G tank if I have to return him to smaller tank?

 

My rosy barb never wanted to hang out with the other barbs. Still doesn't, from the moment I put him in the tank he he has gone off on his own :/

 

if you have a 300w heater for a back up, I am pretty sure you can control the heat, yes?
that being the case, it should not be any danger, it would turn off and on as need and in the 10gl it would be off more than on.

 

Update. Settled in now.Had a few spats with Red Phantom tetra and hid behind driftwood last night.But this morning was all over tank exploring.Trying to make friend with the GBR,s but they're not interested.Now I can use smaller tank as QT,as its fully cycled.Will only heat it up if more fish, which I will try very hard not to as I'm abit overstocked anyway.

 

Moneypenny, one thing to keep in mind is because this barb really does better in a group of 4-5 he may start nipping at your tetras. I would keep an eye on him. with a group of 4-5 they would stay with each other more but being a loner he may start to nip at some fins. good luck.

 

Ok so if I add it to the tank what's the best way?Put bag in heated tank an let it acclimate to higher temp over a period of time?Add warmer water to the 8-10g tank and slowly heat it up to other tanks temp?The difference between the tanks temp is only 3degrees(summer here)

If there is 3 degrees difference between the tanks, then it's not a coldwater tank. It's an unheated tank, which is perfect for rosy barbs. I don't agree that they need a heated tank....unless you don't heat your house.

3 degrees is no big deal IME. I wouldn't even bother acclimating it.

 

x:.So far Rosy is behaving and not hassling the Red Phantoms.I can't up Rosy school as my tanks at full capacity already.Will rehome him with LFS when they get some more in stock as decided this is a temporary solution.Was considering replacing my Red Phantoms and Danios with School of Rosy Barbs,but like the Danios as they fill out top of tank.
The small tank is warm because its summer here now and with lid and lights it ups temp.Tank is in daughter bedroom which isn't heated in winter.The temp in tank is only about 14-18degrees then.

 

Tank is in daughter bedroom which isn't heated in winter.

Wow, is she being punished??

 

Not yet.She hardly spends any time in there.Only uses it for sleep.Shes out with mates most of the time, or laying on/in my bed watching TV.(typical teenager)

 

Update.LFS got in a shipment of Rosy barbs so now mine returned to them.