Finding a companion for a lonely Tiger Barb

[jonstinton]

Hey.

We recently lost Barb number 3 of 4 and so are left wth a solitary fish in a 6gallon tank. We'd like to get another fish or two in there for company and wondered what would be best suited. We do have a slight problem with algae on the bottom so we did think a plecy would be good for controlling that, but are there any others, and how many would be reccommended in the 6gal tank.

Many thanks,

Jon&Liz

 

[LittlePuff]

Those barbs need to be in a larger tank. I'd get a 29gal and at least five more barbs. Having 4-5 in a 6gal probably contributed to their death. How often did you gravel vac and amount of water change?

Kim

 

[smallfry]

Jon,
Tiger barbs like to be with at least 5-6 of their own kind....but as has already been stated...that many tiger barbs in a 6g tank is tooooo much! So either upgrade to a larger tank or trade your tiger barb for a fish who doesn't need to school/shoal. If you are planning to upgrade, you could probably purchase 2 Tiger barbs for the existing tank as long as you are strict about water changes. I would recommend 10% once a week. (but this isn't a preferred long-term solution)
I would not recommend a pleco (or any other fish besides the 2 barbs mentioned above) in that size tank....
*Bonus Tip: If you DO upgrade...keep the 6g tank running for a QT tank.
Hope this helps!