Tank mates for Cherry Barbs?

[mbsqw1d]

I was a bit worried about the size of CPD's honestly. Have not had fish quite that small, but I would have the space if I stuck to only 2 shoals. The kids would probably enjoy something a bit bigger though.

Its forever been the arguement in our house. The OH would prefer big fish and I'm having to constantly explain that Oscars need a much bigger tank...
I actually prefer the look of a large shoal of small fish.
I was looking into blue panchax recently, temp range seems to fit the cherry barbs and hardness is quite wide ranging..

 

[FishGuest5123]

Cherry's actually prefer warmer temps compared to other barbs. I've kept Cherry's for years at temps between 75-78F. I was looking at the Golden barbs initally, but I don't think they will work nor the minnows. I have never heard of Melon barbs, I will look them up.

I keep cherry barbs with zebra danios and golden white cloud minnows. I keep my temp at 74F. 73F to 80F is good for cherry barbs.

 

[Cherrys]

I keep cherry barbs with zebra danios and golden white cloud minnows. I keep my temp at 74F. 73F to 80F is good for cherry barbs.

Wouldn't 74 be too warm for WCM though? Everything I'm reading says their range maxes out at 72. I know a tad warmer is generally better than colder. How long have you had them? Have you ever kept them in cooler water at all? Curious how activity level and coloring compare between the different temps.

I must have misread about Danios. Looks like Zebras can go up to 75. Is that similar for all Danios? It looked like the Leopard and Emerald could go that high as well. Although Emerald's are also very small fish. I know Zebra's breed in warmer water (not necessarily looking to breed), so I guess they should be okay at the top of the range.

 

[Cherrys]

Its forever been the arguement in our house. The OH would prefer big fish and I'm having to constantly explain that Oscars need a much bigger tank...
I actually prefer the look of a large shoal of small fish.
I was looking into blue panchax recently, temp range seems to fit the cherry barbs and hardness is quite wide ranging..

My husband wants big fish too, but we simply do not have the room for another tank or anything bigger than the one we have. I have never heard of those. Will add those to my research list as well.

 

[CassCats]

If your husband likes bigger fish, but are limited to a 55 gallon...

You could opt for a trio of hoplo catfish. Suitable for a wide range of temperature and parameters. The spotted hoplo (megalechis thoracata) would be a great fit, or if you can find hoplosternum punctatum, they'd do well too.
Theyre bottom dwellers though, not loaches, but larger and peaceful if theyre something that appeal to you. They have a niche popularity, so some people love them and some people find them ugly lol but they're honestly fantastic fish

 

[AilyNC]

I keep my Cherry barbs with bronze Cory & white cloud mountain minnows. But you have a warmer tank do minnows out.

I was looking at some rainbow fish like threadfins and Danios too. Depends on water hardness and ph.

 

[FishGuest5123]

Wouldn't 74 be too warm for WCM though? Everything I'm reading says their range maxes out at 72. I know a tad warmer is generally better than colder. How long have you had them? Have you ever kept them in cooler water at all? Curious how activity level and coloring compare between the different temps.

I must have misread about Danios. Looks like Zebras can go up to 75. Is that similar for all Danios? It looked like the Leopard and Emerald could go that high as well. Although Emerald's are also very small fish. I know Zebra's breed in warmer water (not necessarily looking to breed), so I guess they should be okay at the top of the range.

White clouds are actually related to danios. They are like goldfish. They prefer cooler water but can actually handle up in the high 70’s. They are hardy little fish. I’ve had mine 18-24 months. Can’t recall losing any of them. I have bred my barbs but want to try the minnows next.

 

[threecharacters]

What about pencilfish (Nannostomus sp.)? There are many species, some of which can be quite showy, e.g. Nannostomus mortenthaleri.

 

[mbsqw1d]

Hatchet fish might be another option. Temp range fits. Had a look on SF for Hatchetfish but it states that for most of them they don't do well with boisterous fish (particularly at feeding time), which would rule them out with barbs? Neon Hatchetfish (Chela cachius) however, seem to have a different temperament as described on SF and might be suitable.

 

[Cherrys]

If your husband likes bigger fish, but are limited to a 55 gallon...

You could opt for a trio of hoplo catfish. Suitable for a wide range of temperature and parameters. The spotted hoplo (megalechis thoracata) would be a great fit, or if you can find hoplosternum punctatum, they'd do well too.
Theyre bottom dwellers though, not loaches, but larger and peaceful if theyre something that appeal to you. They have a niche popularity, so some people love them and some people find them ugly lol but they're honestly fantastic fish

Those look cool! I'll add them to the research list

I'm not set on loaches. I just thought a bottom dweller would look nice again. Last time we had a red tail shark. I would love another one, but I know they are not really suitable for most schooling fish.

The only bottom feeders I don't like are Cory's. I'm open to everything else. I didn't think about catfish actually, but I think they could work if they would be okay with smooth gravel.

 

[Cherrys]

Hatchet fish might be another option. Temp range fits. Had a look on SF for Hatchetfish but it states that for most of them they don't do well with boisterous fish (particularly at feeding time), which would rule them out with barbs? Neon Hatchetfish (Chela cachius) however, seem to have a different temperament as described on SF and might be suitable.

Cherry's are pretty mellow for barbs they might work together. I'll check them out too.

 

[Cherrys]

What about pencilfish (Nannostomus sp.)? There are many species, some of which can be quite showy, e.g. Nannostomus mortenthaleri.

Never heard of Pencilfish, but a quick Google search is showing some pretty cool fish.

 

[CassCats]

Id be wary of adding any bottom dwellers with gravel, even loaches. Its easier to damage their barbels on the gravel.

You could get away with a bristlenose pleco for the "bottom" instead, they may do fine without sand

 

[Cherrys]

Id be wary of adding any bottom dwellers with gravel, even loaches. Its easier to damage their barbels on the gravel.

You could get away with a bristlenose pleco for the "bottom" instead, they may do fine without sand

The RTS we had loved the gravel substrate and we never had any issues with him. He really wasn't a digger though. I'm assuming all loaches like to dig?

Not a fan of bristlenoses. What about a rubberlip instead? Those look like they would be on the smaller side, although I'm finding contradicting temps. I thought all Plecos were warm water fish?

 

[FishGuest5123]

The RTS we had loved the gravel substrate and we never had any issues with him. He really wasn't a digger though. I'm assuming all loaches like to dig?

Not a fan of bristlenoses. What about a rubberlip instead? Those look like they would be on the smaller side, although I'm finding contradicting temps. I thought all Plecos were warm water fish?

Rubber lip is a pleco. Bristlenose and rubberlips only get to about 4”. My plecos ate in with goldfish at about 72F. I’ve had them for about 4 years.