New 10 gallon

[RedShark]

Hello everyone again,
Just a quick few questions for anyone willing to give advice. I just set up a new 10 gallon tank and it has been running since yesterday. Im using regular river sand that i got from my local fish store because i hear tiger barbs prefer sand. I just put in 6 young tiger barbs in there today, i tried putting in 3 but after an hour of observing the dominant one took control of the whole tank and that left the two other barbs in either corner. I rearanged the decor but the same result. The only time they act normal is when i have all six at a time in at once. Is that too much for my filter so soon?

 

[-*-MicHAeL-*-]

yes definetly . you should be doing a fishless cycle as the stress could be fatal for the fish. i would recommend returning them and putting them on hold and completing a fishless cycle
above on the pinned articles is everything you need to know about cycling

 

[gaya]

That’s a lot of fish for an un-cycled tank. Be sure to check out the pinned beginner facts and questions. http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=88643
If you can’t return your fish to do an a fishless cycle I would do daily water changes if I were you and keep a close eye on your water specs (ammonia, ites, ates). Good luck!

 

[fishwatcher]

I'd spend $10 and get a pouch of Bio Spira if you can. It'll cycle it in about 2-4 days, with low amm/nitrite readings.
Much safer since you didn't do a fishless cycle.
Good luck!

 

[tttnjfttt]

In general, tiger barbs need alot of open swimming space because they are very active fish. The minimum recomended tank size is 30 gallons. I have 6 in a 20 gal, but I can more space would be better for them.

The behavior you saw was normal. It is best to keep barbs in a school of 5 or more to minimize agression. Why you saw so much agression with only 3 was they weren't able to spread out the agression. I know it sounds wierd, but i have seen this in my own tank.

 

[sylvia]

Tiger barbs also aren't a good fish to cycle with. You ahve another tank though apparently - si that one cycled? If so, just transfer some gravel and filter media from that tank to the 10 gallon and it will instantly cycle. Otherwise, return the fish (they shouldn't be in there anyway) and do a fishless cycle (read link in my signature). In a couple of weeks you'll be able to get something more suitable (like a trio of cherry barbs ).