Fiveband Barbs Hide In The Plants

[Altobelli]

Hi,
 
I have five fiveband barbs (two females and three males) and during the day they hide in the plants. They don't swim much, or at all.
I read on the internet that they need dim light to feel comfortable, and when I turn off 2 of the 3 lights, they come out. Problem is; that light is nowhere near enough for the plants in the aquarium. It's almost completely dark. Otherwise I would just turn the lights down.
 
Does anyone know how I can solve this?

 

[DoubleDutch]

Can you place a tankpic ?

 

[eaglesaquarium]

They are notoriously shy (very different from their cousins the tiger barbs). How long have you had them? What other fish do you have?


A group of peaceful dither fish could be added if you have the room. Also adding more of them would help.


But if these are newly added fish to a very large tank, this is not uncommon behavior. Dithers, more of their kind and time are the remedy.