Only two cherry barbs left -- are they lonely?

[fishtimeagain]

Hi everyone, tragically I had an unexplained die-off of cherry barbs, including the two babies I was so excited about a few weeks ago. :'( Cause is unknown, though I did notice the pH has dropped a lot.

I only have two left. Will they be lonely in such a small group? I definitely don't want to get more since something's killing them. Honestly I don't expect these two to last long, I just feel so bad that they're all alone. :'( Tank is heavily planted though so hopefully they're not too scared.

Edit: I saw another one hiding in the plants, so actually there are three left.

 

[Deathstar31]

They actually can survive, but it may not be the best thing. However, I keep 2 together and they are perfectly fine in a ten gallon tank, though they are kept with a few other barb species. Also it may be wise to let the tank settle a bit before you add anymore.

Just FYI I am still a beginner, so maybe don't tank my word for it.

 

[Blk69]

Sorry for the passing of your fish. Cherry barbs are very colorful fish. I agree with Deathstar31 you may want to wait till you determain why your fish passed before adding more. If you haven't already posted a thread on why your barbs passed, recommend doing so. Listing your tank parameters will aid other on the forum advise what your next steps should be.

3 barbs should be ok togather till you get your tank worked out. Losing fish is the one part of this hobby I really don't like.

 

[fishtimeagain]

Thanks deathstar31 and Blk69. Yes, I'm really sad the barbs passed. :'( I think I won't get more barbs, but rather will start again with a different type of fish. But I'm going to wait a few weeks and keep checking the water parameters.

 

[BlueRaccoon]

Thanks deathstar31 and Blk69. Yes, I'm really sad the barbs passed. :'( I think I won't get more barbs, but rather will start again with a different type of fish. But I'm going to wait a few weeks and keep checking the water parameters.

It sounds like it could have been the stress of the change, but I haven't had good luck with cherry barbs. They lived for a few years, but most died from some type of tumor. I don't know if you can find hardy fish at this point though. It's hard to find good stock of anything.

 

[bgarthe]

Sorry for your losses. Just curious……any particulars of your pH drop? And yes, posting your pH, GH, KH, temp. and WC details would help to narrow things down.

 

[Noroomforshoe]

Im sorry about your fish, especially the babies. I was so upset about losing a babby rabbit snail that was born/hatched in my tank a while back.

Can you tell as what size tank you have? and how many fish died, and how long had you had them?