What to do When You No Longer Want a Certain Fish Species in Your Tank

Been in the hobby for over 2 years now and still have (mostly) the same fish I started with. I have a 75 gallon community tank with 6 Odessa barbs, 4 green tiger barbs, 6 yoyo loaches, a blue gourami, rainbow shark, bn pleco, and about 10 otos. I've replaced some of the barbs over time but have had a few accidents and health issues that have dwindled the numbers to less than optimal school sizes. I really don't want to keep the barbs forever and don't know how to go about ethically changing them over to something else. How do I go about doing that? I know lower numbers than what's recommended is frowned upon and they're not comfortable in their environment at smaller numbers, but I don't want to get more fish that I don't really want to keep anymore.

 

If they seem comfortable just leave them be. I have 2 Red eye tetras that have been kickin around for about 2 years now. If not do you have a lfs that will take them?

 

I'd attempt to rehome them, it's not enjoyable keeping fish you don't want. I've recently bit the bullet and took back quite a few fish, some I absolutely loved but it wasn't Ideal to keep them and I wanted the space for my other fish. It was a hard decision but I don't regret it

 

In doing the same thing with my zebras. You could also rehome them

 

I have some I have wanted to take back too, but they are getting fairly old now and I figured EEh? I may still though after the pet store opens back up.

 

Tbh most of the time lower numbers won't matter too much in the end. Not to anger people but I feel like a lot of the times the whole shoaling(sometimes schooling) thing is often exaggerated a bit. If they are acting normal and you don't want to get more, then don't get more. Otherwise, it'll be this constant cycle. If you can though I would try to give them back though.

 

Rehome if possible, keep if necessary.
I have a pair of glolights no one wants, they are four years old and school with the white cloud minnows when they do want to school. Schooling is a fear response, which is why most tank bred fish, living in a good tank don't really school. They don't feel it. So if your tank is safe, its okay to keep them.

 

Thanks everyone. I really don't want to re-home them or give to a lfs. The only rehoming option I personally have wouldn't be better for them, and I know if they're resold they will likely not go into a nice big school somewhere and probably less than desirable situation. I had read somewhere that some people feel that numbers don't matter as much in this type situation because the fish are accustomed to my tank and setup, as well as the other inhabitants. So they "shouldn't" experience the stress of having lower numbers.

 

Thanks everyone. I really don't want to re-home them or give to a lfs. The only rehoming option I personally have wouldn't be better for them, and I know if they're resold they will likely not go into a nice big school somewhere and probably less than desirable situation. I had read somewhere that some people feel that numbers don't matter as much in this type situation because the fish are accustomed to my tank and setup, as well as the other inhabitants. So they "shouldn't" experience the stress of having lower numbers.

I agree with those sentiments. Generally, the numbers really don't matter that much. If the fish are doing fine and are non-aggressive, leave them be (or rehome them, if you want). There's a theory called systems theory that states organisms can only truly be understood in their natural environment. In a tank, they have no natural predators, learn to feel safe in their glass environment, become accustomed to regular feeding, etc. I have 2 Ember Tetras that are close to or over 4 years old, and are still going strong. I don't feel a personal obligation to increase the numbers, and once they're gone I'm ready to move on to a different species.

 

Tiger Barbs can certainly be an issue in low numbers due to nipping. It's completely normal behavior for them which in a larger group there's less focus on individuals but in low numbers they can do a lot of damage to each other and at times other fish. Obviously this doesn't mean it will happen but there's a good possibility.

You could always advertise them on here, better chance of finding a good home I would hope

I have a single Black Phantom Tetra i've had over a year and a half, he seems to be doing well

 

Retirement tanks are a thing, anything that is classified miscalaneous and is worn out is put in there.
also a excuse for another tank

 

Tiger Barbs can certainly be an issue in low numbers due to nipping. It's completely normal behavior for them which in a larger group there's less focus on individuals but in low numbers they can do a lot of damage to each other and at times other fish. Obviously this doesn't mean it will happen but there's a good possibility.

You could always advertise them on here, better chance of finding a good home I would hope

I have a single Black Phantom Tetra i've had over a year and a half, he seems to be doing well

Yeah, I've been keeping my single rummynose with my guppies and angel for a couple months. The rest of his school died due to a beginner's mistake. I plan on getting him some friends soon tho

 

Don't give them back to lfs. My lfs just throws them in a bin. They don't even bother to kill them first.

 

Don't give them back to lfs. My lfs just throws them in a bin. They don't even bother to kill them first.

Op's lfs might be different....

 

Op's lfs might be different....

man, you never know. I'd be suspicious if they take your fish to the back of the store where it's off limits to customers. They did this to a batch of fish I was returning because one of them had 2 tails (kind of). Mind you these fish were still in the bag. I only found this out because they were cleaning their giant display tank with a huge siphon that wedged the door open.

 

Tbh most of the time lower numbers won't matter too much in the end. Not to anger people but I feel like a lot of the times the whole shoaling(sometimes schooling) thing is often exaggerated a bit. If they are acting normal and you don't want to get more, then don't get more. Otherwise, it'll be this constant cycle. If you can though I would try to give them back though.

I agree with all of this except the thought that good school sizes are overhyped. If your school is dying off of old age and you don't want more though, let them. I've got a retirement tank for fish I don't want anymore. School dwindles enough and I don't want more? They live out the rest of their days in retirement land, out of my main displays.

 

I agree with all of this except the thought that good school sizes are overhyped. If your school is dying off of old age and you don't want more though, let them. I've got a retirement tank for fish I don't want anymore. School dwindles enough and I don't want more? They live out the rest of their days in retirement land, out of my main displays.

Well thats kinda what I meant. I think it depends, the main thing is(and I know a lot of people will say I'm wrong) looking at "bad' tanks, there are often improper schooling numbers but the fish are healthy. Again it depends and I know this opinion is frowned upon.

 

Well thats kinda what I meant. I think it depends, the main thing is(and I know a lot of people will say I'm wrong) looking at "bad' tanks, there are often improper schooling numbers but the fish are healthy. Again it depends and I know this opinion is frowned upon.

Oh yeah, I think we're pretty much on the same page. I'd just hate to encourage people to only get 1-3 of a schooling species in the fist palce just because, you know?

 

So I feel that my thoughts on the situation are fairly acceptable. Currently the only inhabitants that would cause any issues are the barbs themselves. Which they torment each other anyway. They have no issues with the rest of the community. As far as trading them in to the lfs...Even if they just disposed of them it might be better than them getting purchased by someone who knows nothing about fish and has no intention of learning. You know what I'm talking about.
The idea of a retirement tank is not all that appealing to me. Number one...Its a struggle for me to NOT start another tank already! I have 2 and I want another tank and different fish soooo bad! Number two...I feel like the fish in question are comfortable where they are and with who they are, so moving them to a different tank might upset that calm, ya know?
Anyway, thanks for all the input. I feel better about the situation.