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Fact or Fiction

2K views 2 replies 3 participants last post by  Kelso 
#1 ·
Hi,

I have 3 tiger barbs currently in my completely cycled tank. Tomorrow i am going to get more to finish the school, and reduce aggression within it. I heard the Tiger barbs school much better in odd numbers. Is this true.

I only have a 15 gallon tank so i would like to add 3 to make it 6 but if the school better in odd numbers than i guess i should get 2, since 7 might be pushing it.

What do you think?

Thanks
 
#2 ·
Matt,

I have extensive experience with this species, literally in dozens of different aquariums over the last 20 years. I can tell you without question that you will not be able to successfully keep a school of Tiger Barbs in a 15 gallon tank. They will slowly pick on the runt of the school, and over time all of the members will perish from aggression within the school.

However, to answer your question directly, I have never seen a difference based on odd or even numbers of fish. The biggest need of this species is a minimum tank length of 4 feet, preferably 6 feet.

Sorry to provide negative news. My suggestion is to return the fish you have already purchased and find a species that will thrive in a smaller environment. There are many great fish to choose from, so don't be discouraged!

Mark
 
#3 ·
As always, +1!
 
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