Tiger barbs in a 20G?

[evster]

Hi guys. Looks like my 20G has finished cycling! All of the water conditions checked out ok, though my pH is on the higher side (the pH of my tap water is 7.6 or greater).

I've always wanted to do a barb tank and was wondering if you think a 20G is big enough. There will be only tiger barbs and no other fish. Ideally I would like to mix both tiger barbs and green tiger barbs. Will these fish school together?

I was thinking that I could fit at least 4 or 5 tiger barbs in the 20G, but I am not sure that they would be happy in that small of a group in that small of a tank. Let me know your experience with these fish if you've got em. Thanks!

 

[gagaliya]

6 tiger barb will be fine in a 20G, since it's a specie tank (good idea!) you dont have to worry about them showing aggression to other fish due to a smaller school. Can mix and match tiger barb and green tiger barb, just make sure they are similar size so noone gets picked on constantly.

 

[Marinemom]

Barbs will also appreciate a densley planted tank or at least enough places for them to hide and feel secure. This will also help eliminate some of the aggression that they show to each other.

Marinemom

 

[H3D]

Is this a 20 gallon high or a 20 gallon long?

 

[dwarfgourami7]

Albino TB's look nice, ever considered including them?

 

[mazeman22]

i believe you can fit at most, about 8-9 barbs.... and you should consider the albinos. They are beautiful!!!

 

[evster]

Thanks guys. I just looked up albino tiger barbs on google and they look great. I think having a few albions along with the green tiger barbs and regular tiger barbs will make a beautiful display.

The tank currently has 3 zebra danios in there which I used for cycling (before I knew about fishless cycling). I am going to move these fish to my 10G when I get the barbs. How many barbs should I get to start?

 

[H3D]

If this is a 20 gallon high aquarium (24"x12"x16") then I would not recommend getting any tiger barbs.

 

[sarcare]

True--I moved my tiger barbs out of a 20h to a 30g because there simply was not enough space for a big enough group of tigers in the 20h. Tigers are so active and need enough fellow tigers, that they really need more room.

 

[evster]

Oh no. My tank IS a 20G high. Perhaps I should reconsider? I want some fish that are active, colorful, and larger than neon tetras or my zebra danios. I thought about gouramis but from my experience they kind of just "sit there". Is there anything in particular you guys would recommend?