Can I Put Tiger Barbs In Cichlid Tank?

[oliviamiles]

I have a 90 gallon community cichlid tank has 2 blue rams 1 electric yellow 1 peacock and 1 leopard cichlid only reason why I'm asking is cause I have 3 tiger barbs in a tank that's to small for them an I would like to move cause I seen some barbs bigger then some full grown female convicts I have so is it possible to put it with the chilids I mentioned up top? Thanks for the help

 

[RRaquariums]

I've often wondered if they could mix because I had both and they acted much the same however personally I would not do it because I always figured the size of the cichlids would give them all the advantage they need to kill tiger barbs.

 

[Wills]

The main problem is the water requirements with the cichlids being in such a high ph the tiger barbs would suffer. Also the way the africans will form a hierachy will not mix with open water schooling fish, they will expect them barbs to go into hiding if they get a beating which wont happen, africans often see open water swimming as a sign of dominance as you are in prime place for food. Thats generally why its not advised. However in American Cichlid tanks its different they are used as target fish to stop the cichlids beating each other up or as dither fish to give shy fish more confidence to come out.
 
Personally I wouldnt risk it.
 
Also, I know you didnt ask about this but I feel I have to mention it - are your Blue Rams the small American dwarfs or is that a common name for an other African? If its the Americans they really will suffer in that tank, they will be really struggling in the high ph and will not be able to deal with the strength or aggression of the Africans. I would rehome them ASAP though I think even after a few weeks these fragile fish could be seriously damaged
 
Wills

 

[oliviamiles]

I'm not 100 percent sure on the blue rams they are pretty big I have had them for 7 months an I see no since of stress I'm a little bit confused though are u talking rehome the rams or barbs? I haven't moved my barbs an probably won't till I find room
Big mistake by me i just looked up blue ram I must of had that name on my mind from when I saw it in my LFS two days ago sad I couldn't get any but what I have are two blue cobalts sorry about that the lady at the store told me the same as what your saying they won't do good on either of my tanks I also have a 45g convict tank

 

[Wills]

Ah good There are some South Americans that generally need very soft water called Rams they are very delicate and was worried you had them
 
You may be ok with the Tiger Barbs with a Convict, is it a breeding pair or is it just a lone resident?
 
Wills

 

[oliviamiles]

My convicts are a breeding pair rather new actually they just had there first brood an ate them so hopefully in a few week they will try again with success