Barb Help!

[AdamWe]

My tank is almost a month old, and it holds five barbs.

It's a ten gallon tank with some fake plants, rocks, some logs, and gravel.
I have three red glass barbs that are a little over one inch. They are very active, but as long as I've had them they haven't fought or anything.

I just recently bought two tiger barbs. They are about 3/4ths of an inch long. I'm sure one's a male because there is a red coloration to his nose. They other, I'm not sure. I think it may be a female. I'm a little concerned because the male seems to chase the other, but not all the time. Just a little at a time, then they settle and swim together or just sit still. Should I be concerned with the aggressive personalities of the tiger barbs? Should I purchase more?

 

[Aphotic Phoenix]

I believe it's usually recommended to keep Tiger barbs in groups of at least 6 to help diffuse aggression, but unfortunately your tank won't be big enough for that. The 10 Gallon may also be a little cramped in terms of swim room for barbs, so watch out for a possible increase in aggression as they get larger.

 

[-germ-]

Yeah realistically the best thing to do for your fishes sake would be to buy either a new tank and a few more barb or return them and purchase something more suitable.
I know its not a nice thing to consider as you'll already have built a 'bond' with your fish, but for their sakes it would be the best thing to do.
I'm not being offhand by the way, but alot of experienced (not me ) fishkeepers will tell you the same.

 

[Lynda B]

I would say exactly the same thing.... it's not about us, it's about the fish. If you can't meet your fish's requirements, then you shouldn't have them. It's pretty simple.

I love the barbs. They're so beautiful. But I went with tetras. And I'm really pleased with them.