Starting a tank up again - Aquarium Advice

Gothamz · 09-15-2005, 01:49 AM

I just recently decided to get back into this hobby. I've been away from it for about 10 years but am looking forward to getting back into it. I have a 10 [acronym:f9cb43b535="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:f9cb43b535] tank and now have 5 small tiger barbs. I've done my research on them, but does anyone have any I should look out for? Thanks in advance.

**Zagz** · 09-15-2005, 01:52 AM

Welcome to AA! Keep an eye on your water parameters until your tank is cycled, and your fish will be healthy and happy!

**Fluff** · 09-15-2005, 08:23 AM

Welcome.

fishyrican · 09-15-2005, 08:42 AM

Welcome!!

Gothamz · 09-15-2005, 10:55 AM

What should I watch for most in the water? The [acronym:79f82328e4="power head or Measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions, depending on context"]ph[/acronym:79f82328e4]? When I was younger I was never too concerned about that but I want to do it right this time. Thanks again.

Gothamz · 09-15-2005, 10:57 AM

Also, I am thinking about getting a red tailed shark and a dojo loach. I know that barbs in general can tend to be aggressive, but these two new additions should not be a problem correct?

rich311k · 09-15-2005, 11:07 AM

Welcome!!!

Serge · 09-18-2005, 08:45 AM

Welcome to AA!

fishyrican · 09-18-2005, 08:59 AM

You will find that most fish (though not all) will adjust to pH as long as it is consistent. Tiger barbs, when kept in a school, do well and are fascinating to watch. However, if kept singly, the are notorious fin nippers.

Make sure that your ammonia and nitrites stay at zero, and keep an eye on your nitrates. Regular water changes, along with responsible feeding, will go a long way toward keeping your water healthy.

odobenus · 09-18-2005, 01:28 PM

Greetings and salutations!

I would caution you about buying a redtail shark (E. bicolor) unless you plan on moving it to a larger tank later. They will grow to 4-5 inches, and need a lot of swimming room. I think 40-50 gallons is recommended as the minimum tank size. That being said, if you will be getting a larger tank I would highly recommend adding one (and only one - they don't get along with each other). They're pretty good at taking care of themselves, and should be just fine with your barbs. I adore my redtail.

09-15-2005, 01:49 AM	#1
Gothamz Aquarium Advice Newbie Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 6	Starting a tank up again I just recently decided to get back into this hobby. I've been away from it for about 10 years but am looking forward to getting back into it. I have a 10 [acronym:f9cb43b535="Gallon"]gal[/acronym:f9cb43b535] tank and now have 5 small tiger barbs. I've done my research on them, but does anyone have any I should look out for? Thanks in advance.

09-15-2005, 08:23 AM	#3
Fluff The Keeper Community Moderator Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: West Virginia Posts: 10,142 Images: 29	Welcome. __________________ ~Cindy

09-15-2005, 08:42 AM	#4
fishyrican Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 642	Welcome!! __________________ Freedom is the sure possession of those alone who have the courage to defend it. -Pericles Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of Liberty -JFK

09-18-2005, 08:45 AM	#8
Serge Aquarium Advice Addict Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Rockland, Ontario Posts: 1,031 Images: 6	Welcome to AA! __________________ Serge Vote Here for Aquarium Advice QT: 12 gal, 6 lbs. LR. Main tank: 125 gal. 135 LBS of LR (Fiji and Tonga), 200 lbs of sand. - Always a work in progress.

09-18-2005, 08:59 AM	#9
fishyrican Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 642	You will find that most fish (though not all) will adjust to pH as long as it is consistent. Tiger barbs, when kept in a school, do well and are fascinating to watch. However, if kept singly, the are notorious fin nippers. Make sure that your ammonia and nitrites stay at zero, and keep an eye on your nitrates. Regular water changes, along with responsible feeding, will go a long way toward keeping your water healthy. __________________ Freedom is the sure possession of those alone who have the courage to defend it. -Pericles Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of Liberty -JFK

09-15-2005, 10:55 AM	#5
Gothamz Aquarium Advice Newbie Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 6	What should I watch for most in the water? The [acronym:79f82328e4="power head or Measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions, depending on context"]ph[/acronym:79f82328e4]? When I was younger I was never too concerned about that but I want to do it right this time. Thanks again.

09-15-2005, 10:57 AM	#6
Gothamz Aquarium Advice Newbie Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 6	Also, I am thinking about getting a red tailed shark and a dojo loach. I know that barbs in general can tend to be aggressive, but these two new additions should not be a problem correct?

09-15-2005, 11:07 AM	#7
rich311k Aquarium Advice Addict Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 8,972 Images: 35	Welcome!!!

09-18-2005, 01:28 PM	#10
odobenus Aquarium Advice Activist Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: UP of Michigan Posts: 132 Images: 2	Greetings and salutations! I would caution you about buying a redtail shark (E. bicolor) unless you plan on moving it to a larger tank later. They will grow to 4-5 inches, and need a lot of swimming room. I think 40-50 gallons is recommended as the minimum tank size. That being said, if you will be getting a larger tank I would highly recommend adding one (and only one - they don't get along with each other). They're pretty good at taking care of themselves, and should be just fine with your barbs. I adore my redtail. __________________ Think of a snake as a rope. A rope without legs and not available in hardware stores. A lot of people have died at the end of a rope. A lot of people have died at the end of a snake. Think about it. -- Ranger Gord

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