Stocking Questions

[abp]

I have a 12 gallon tank that I am in the process of fishless cycling. The tank has real plants, some driftwood, and a cave.

I would like some advice on what to put in once the cycle is complete. I love tiger barbs, so I am planning to have a barb tank - 5 or 6 total tiger barbs (does that sound OK?), of different colourations. After a few months, I would like to add a scavenger and I really like the mini sharks. Is it possible to put a small shark in a 12 gallon tank, like a red tail shark? Are there any smaller ones? If I cannot put a shark in, does anyone have other ideas?

Also, if I end up needing an algae eater more than a scavenger, I think that oto cats are pretty cool, but I am worried about them being tormented by the barbs. Is that likely to be a problem?

 

[Mikaila31]

The RTS and tiger barbs both need larger tanks. They are really active fish and need room. I would look through this tread for some different fish that would be better suited for your tank

 

[funkycat]

If you really like barbs,
cherry barbs or checkerboard barbs should both be fine in a 12 gallon.

RTS need atleast 30 gallon IMO, and for a nice school of Tiger barbs, 30+ depending on how many u want.

 

[groovitudedude]

Don't get any tinfoil barbs. Sure, they look small and innocent. Trust me. Don't. And yeah, the tiger barbs shouldn't be a problem if you have 6 or more of them, but they will outgrow that tank in no time. Get like a 29 gallon or 40 Gallon, and those fish should be fine. Also, you might want to just forget the barbs if you can't get a bigger tank. I'd suggest neon tetras if you like pretty & pretty small fish. Or maybe a Dwarf Puffer if you're advanced and know what you're doing.