Cherry Barbs For A Beginner?

[mark.w.jones]

I have just got a 10 Gal UK (45 litre) Via Aqua VA 380 tank that I am setting up as my first ever tropical tank. Heater, gravel and 10 plants added currently. Only had it set up for 3 days now. Wondering what to do next. Eventually want to a have a single species aqurium. Was considering Cherry Barbs. Do I add a couple of them after 14 days when the ammonia levels have dropped to help cycle my tank then add the rest after a month or so. OR do I go down the fishless cycling with ammonia route. Is this a good idea for a novice? OR do I leave it all completly fishless for a couple of months to mature on its own. Not even sure if Cherry Barbs are a good idea in the first place.

I know that's a lot of question but as an absolute novice I would be grateful for advice

 

[colen]

Welcome JonesyUK,

I would recommend that you do a fishless cycle. Do a little research before you start and you won’t have any problems. Cherry barbs are also excellent fish for beginners. I have kept these fish for a few years now and recommend them. Males can sometimes fight so your best bet would be to keep a single male along with a group of females. The males are a much deeper red, and the females are somewhat duller (still very nice looking though).

I have successfully kept 6 males in a 35US gallon tank before with very little fighting. The odd time they would chase each other but nothing more. Like I said though, keeping several females would be a better option along with a male.

 

[mark.w.jones]

Welcome JonesyUK,

I would recommend that you do a fishless cycle. Do a little research before you start and you won’t have any problems. Cherry barbs are also excellent fish for beginners. I have kept these fish for a few years now and recommend them. Males can sometimes fight so your best bet would be to keep a single male along with a group of females. The males are a much deeper red, and the females are somewhat duller (still very nice looking though).

I have successfully kept 6 males in a 35US gallon tank before with very little fighting. The odd time they would chase each other but nothing more. Like I said though, keeping several females would be a better option along with a male.

Thanks. I'm sold on Cherry Barbs now. Just waiting for my master water test kit to turn up so I can start my first fishless cycle.