60 Litre Gold Barb Tank

[Hecateele]

Hi all. I'm not exactly new to fishkeeping as I used to keep fancy goldfish, but definitely new to keeping tropicals. Really need some seasoned advice.

I've just bought a brand spanking new 60L tank in which I was planning to keep a shoal of pygmy corys or a few pygmy puffers, but have just been given a single (8 cm?) gold barb by a friend who no longer wants to look after him (or her), so I guess that's gone out of the window. I've had no choice but to put him in my tank, which has only been cycling for a week (beneficial bacteria were added at the start).

He's a pretty lonely little guy. He's also at least a couple of years old. A little bit of research has told me gold barbs should be in groups of at least five. Is my tank big enough? It's 24 by 12 inches, external filter, gravel substrate, well planted. Will the fish appreciate an air pump? Will there be enough room to add a few snails?

Any info on gold barbs would be much appreciated, thanks.

 

[minnnt]

I would say your tank is no where near big enough unfortunately. They look great when young in the lfs, but when adult they are a pretty robust and chunky fish.

 

[Hecateele]

I would say your tank is no where near big enough unfortunately. They look great when young in the lfs, but when adult they are a pretty robust and chunky fish.

Thank you so much for your reply. Any suggestions on what to do with him? As I said, he is a pretty big fish, and a couple years old at that. I could get a bigger tank but I will not be able to afford one for several months. Unfortunately I can't exactly take him back, and I want to make sure he gets the best possible care.

 

[minnnt]

Ask on here if anyone wants to rehome him for you or take him to your lfs.

 

[fishman28]

Gold Barbs LOVE company. They absolutely need to be with other barbs or other friendly schooling fish!!! And they are hardy fish, that spend most of their time near the mid-level to bottom of the tank. And they are egg layers. Hope this helps.