Neurotic Tinfoil Barbs - Fish Quack Needed!

[goatboy]

Hi,

I've got a couple of tinfoil barbs in my tank since juvenile size. They're now a couple of big boys (or maybe girls, I've never worked it out). I know the tank I've got for them is too small (55l), but they've been okay in there for a long time.

I recently decided to put a timer on their light so that they get a routine. Unfortunately the first time this switched on it blew the light controller. I have since fitted a new one, and everything is working fine, except...

When the light goes off (at about 10.30pm) the tinfoil barbs go mental, they jump up and hit the cover of the tank, I'm a bit worried they may come out if they hit the wrong place. They calm down after about 5-10 minutes.

I reckon that maybe when the light controller blew previously that it's given them a fright, and now they're scared of the dark?! Or maybe the fact the tank is smaller than they really need and that's finally going for them.

I'm worried they may hurt themselves, and also I'm quite attached to them and don't want to think they're suffering

Can anybody suggest anything? Group therapy?

goatboy

 

[ryan]

55 - Litres!? I hope its more like 55 gallons? If it is litres that would make it around 14 gallons, which really isn't suitable for them for any lengthy period of time. They require a minimum of 55gallons to grow out in. But to house them for life you need a tank in the region of 100gallons as they are a gregarious fish that reaches 13-14".

 

[freddyk]

It's fairly normal for the fish to have a little flip out when the lights are suddenly shut off. Mine do it too. Your problem is simply the lack of space - any sudden movements by the fish end up plowing them into something. Fish can live in suprisingly awful conditions when it comes down to it (i'm not insinuating that you're providing awful conditions), but it doesn't mean it is the right thing to do.

When you are told that tinfoils need space, it's not because they'll drop dead if you don't. It's because they are very active, love to roam, and absolutely thrive in shoals, and in your tank they can't do any of this, all they can really do is float around and keep breathing and eating. Their living, but not really living. Know what I mean?

 

[goatboy]

Yeah,

I am totally aware that the conditions I have these fish in is not good (in fact, really not good ). I bought them a couple of years ago when I knew nothing, and obviously made a schoolboy error.

I've been trying to find a way of getting them better conditions, however I can't afford a bigger tank at the moment, all the LFS around my way only sell juvenile fish and aren't interested in them, and I don't know anyone else who could take them.

HOWEVER, I am now pleased to say that after placing this post I met up with an old friend who has a MUCH bigger tank than me, currently with only one fish in it and is going to re-home my boys. I'm sure they'll be much happier/comfortable.

Another lesson learnt. )

goatboy

 

[freddyk]

Good to hear!

 

[annka5]

I guess you don't need to know this now, but if you leave the light on in the room your tank is in for say 20 mins after the tank light goes out then this means light change isn't as sudden and they don't freak as much.