Tiger Barb Behavior

[KISSfn]

Hype. Buy an active filter from angelsplus.com if you're in the U.S. Loaded with live bacteria.

 

[Tizer]

top two are the only ones that really matter at the moment, a 0.5 reading of nitrite is toxic to your fish, you need to do a 90% water change, dont let it get over 0.25

I would also recommend the API freshwater master kit, strips are terrible for accuracy. £18 on eBay, might sound expensive, but its a must have.

So, I ask....help or hype?

I guessed help, and added the recomended dose for after adding new fish.

Hype, plenty of people here have tried and tested bottled bacteria, the results are very mixed and the outcome in the large majority of cases are that bottled bacteria products do nothing to speed things up. That said, it cant hurt either. Just carry on with the water tests and water changes and it will eventually kick in. But be warned, it could take a few weeks! gluck.

 

[Steve H.]

Update:
First I would just like to say thank to everyone who responded to my post with tips, advice, support, and encouragement. It has all helped a lot!

My original concern was I had 1 bully of 6 total tiger barbs. And, I was concerned about the other five that were being corraled into a corner with no swimming room.

It was pointed out that my tank size was too small for this type of fish, and water quality was an issue as well.

At this point I have yet been able to get a larger tank, however the behavior in the tank has changed. The bully is far less protective of his space, and the others have come out of the corner and swim the tank freely as a schoal of 6. There is a noticeable pecking order which goes on that makes them enjoyable. They seemed to have paired up with who chases who. Even have these 2 that do this interesting nose to tail circling thing that kind of reminds me of a dog chasing its tail. Increasingly there appears to be a happy environment happening for these little guys.
Actually, since they've all come out I have been able to determine there are definitely 2 male and 2 female, and 2 that could go either way.(male coloring but female bellies).

I guess the lesson for me here is: don't panic to soon, show more patients, do more research, and seek advice.

Thanks again!