Tiger Barbs - Stocking Questions (again!)

[docbanzai]

Hi all. I'm a newbie so please bear with me!

I have a newish tank, 120L (31 US Gal) 'wide' Juwel tank currently stocked with 7 Tiger Barbs. The tank is fully cycled and it's residents are healthy and happy. I'm afraid that when I picked Tigers I did it purely on the fact that I have mildly acidic water (pH 6.5) which is also quite soft and that these fish were suitable for these conditions. However, I'm now totally in love with these little guys and wouldn't part with them for the world, but my wifey wants something a little more colourful in the tank!

I've spent over 2 weeks reading, researching and pulling my hair trying to get consistent info about what I can put in with my Tigers, but so much info is contradictory or unclear. I've spoken to the Aqua-Guru at my LFS but even he seems to be giving me dodgy info. For instance; he said that we could put platies (spelling?) in with the Tigers, but after a little research I've read that they need a mildy brackish water, and I suspect my current guests would not enjoy a salty treat very much! Of course Wifey loves the platies but I've put my foot down and said no!

I know that Zebra Danios seem to go well in these conditions, but they're just not exciting enough for my missus! She also likes the Green Tigers (which I know are ok) and Angels (No, No, NO! I don't want World War III in my tank, thank you very much!)

Allow me to apologise for asking what I am sure is a common question on this forum. I have spent a LONG time reading everything I can get hold of, and what I would really like is advice from somebody with a set-up which is very similar to mine.

Please help if you can and save my marriage!

Cheers!

 

[mrjames]

there are loads of types of barbs u can add, lots of colours there. the angels would b a ok i rekon, ive seen them together b4 and as long as you have enough barbs to keep themself ocupied the wont bother the angels. if barbs are in a decent size shoal they just nip each other.i suggest 8 or more.

james

 

[dwarfgourami]

Platies don't have to have brackish water; in fact most people (including myself) keep them in freshwater. And they are quite adaptable to ph. I found mollies were sensitive when I lived in a softwater area but not the platies. As long as you acclimatise them carefully they should be ok.

 

[docbanzai]

there are loads of types of barbs u can add, lots of colours there. the angels would b a ok i rekon, ive seen them together b4 and as long as you have enough barbs to keep themself ocupied the wont bother the angels. if barbs are in a decent size shoal they just nip each other.i suggest 8 or more.

james

Thanks for the reply. Yup, I know that there are many barbs that I could put in, but they can be suprisingly difficult to find! (In my location anyway..) Personally, I've become a Barb lover and I'd be more than happy to keep nothing but a big, BIG shoal of tigers! But that's just between you and me OK? I'm trying to avoid the Angel dilemma, I've been advised sooooo many times that they arent compatible. Plus... I find them dull (no disrespect)... Ducking to avoid the flak....

Cheers...

(And if you'd met Wifey, you'd agree with me too!)

 

[millym]

hi
im a huge tiger barb fan too - i just think they are brilliant characters - have a look at my sig & see what we've kept with our tigers for over 4 yrs. green tigers art gorgeous too!!
if your looking for colourful little fish how about cardinals or rummy nose tetras, theyre both beautiful!
our rummys are always swimming around together going mad in the bubble wall or having little tiffs!
i would love to get a bigger tank & have loads more tigers but we have no room!!!
i definitely as you said would avoid the angel fish with tigers - those long trailing fins are just toooooo hard for the naughty tigers to resist

 

[docbanzai]

Platies don't have to have brackish water; in fact most people (including myself) keep them in freshwater. And they are quite adaptable to ph. I found mollies were sensitive when I lived in a softwater area but not the platies. As long as you acclimatise them carefully they should be ok.

Interesting... I'd been convinced that I'd need salt for their health. Mayhap we'll have some Platies, and that'd make Wifey happy. Well if you've solved my problem then I'll tip my hat to you!

Many thanks,

DB

P.S. Now... How to keep Cod and Tigers...

 

[docbanzai]

hi
im a huge tiger barb fan too - i just think they are brilliant characters - have a look at my sig & see what we've kept with our tigers for over 4 yrs. green tigers art gorgeous too!!
if your looking for colourful little fish how about cardinals or rummy nose tetras, theyre both beautiful!
our rummys are always swimming around together going mad in the bubble wall or having little tiffs!
i would love to get a bigger tank & have loads more tigers but we have no room!!!
i definitely as you said would avoid the angel fish with tigers - those long trailing fins are just toooooo hard for the naughty tigers to resist

Hiya! Yep Tigers are characters without doubt! So much fun to watch and each one has a quite distinct personality. I have have a bossy, grumpy, shy, speed-demon, acrobat, jaws and loony. All very identifiable (sp?) I know that angels are going to be a problem, and I will not introduce a fish that won't enjoy my envoronment, regardless of perceived philosophy (no disrespect.) Just wanna give them some friends that won't cause a problem!
Cheers,
DB.