How many Tinfoil Barbs in a 100-150 Gallon CA Cichlid Aquarium?

[Murrayt]

If I have 1-2 Cichlids (will reach approx 10-12") and a few bottom dwellers, how many Tinfoil Barbs are recommended for a tank with approximately 135 Gallons? (72"x18")

I know that they prefer to be in small schools. Would 4 be ideal for a tank of this size? I am not concerned about the Bio load, rather swimming space. This is assuming they reach captivity growth potential (12-14").

If Tinfoil barbs are not viable, what other dithers aside from Silver Dollars are good to investigate. The Cichlid's are a Female Festae and a MidasxParrot.

I also have some driftwood which takes up space, but I would remove it as they reach adulthood.

 

[krichardson]

Not sure about the number of TFB's but personally I would look into Red Hooks or some other type of silver dollars in order to keep with the geographical theme.

 

[Murrayt]

Not sure about the number of TFB's but personally I would look into Red Hooks or some other type of silver dollars in order to keep with the geographical theme.

I appreciate the suggestion, but as the MidasXParrot is a hybrid and I have bottom dwellers from both Asia and Africa, I am not too interested about the geographical aspect. Unless of course you feel this will be better overall for the barbs and Cichlids.

 

[Drstrangelove]

Assuming:

1) 125 gallons of actual water
2) (2) 12" cichlids (2) 12" catfish (4) 12" tinfoil barbs
3) daily feeding 2% net body weight in 90% dry food at 40% protein.

I get the need for 75% WC every 3 days to keep the water in good condition (~20 ppm nitrates.)

Tinfoils are very hefty fish and 4 will be 75% of the bio load in the tank as described above. Typically, you'll want 1 or 4+, as they appear to use a "pecking order" in their social structure and too few leads to death or inadequate growth as the leader concentrates on too few to keep "in line."

I'd look for something not quite so demanding or add just one.

Of course, if you can keep the water in great condition otherwise, then 4 tinfoils barbs could work. They're active fish and unless you have fish which are upset by active fish, I don't see a problem.

I do believe there is a smaller related species of barb that looks similar to tinfoils, although I have no personal experience to suggest them. Here's a fishbase link with photos and sizes for comparison.

http://www.fishbase.org/identification/SpeciesList.php?genus=Barbonymus

 

[Murrayt]

Assuming:

1) 125 gallons of actual water
2) (2) 12" cichlids (2) 12" catfish (4) 12" tinfoil barbs
3) daily feeding 2% net body weight in 90% dry food at 40% protein.

I get the need for 75% WC every 3 days to keep the water in good condition (~20 ppm nitrates.)

Tinfoils are very hefty fish and 4 will be 75% of the bio load in the tank as described above. Typically, you'll want 1 or 4+, as they appear to use a "pecking order" in their social structure and too few leads to death or inadequate growth as the leader concentrates on too few to keep "in line."

I'd look for something not quite so demanding or add just one.

Of course, if you can keep the water in great condition otherwise, then 4 tinfoils barbs could work. They're active fish and unless you have fish which are upset by active fish, I don't see a problem.

I do believe there is a smaller related species of barb that looks similar to tinfoils, although I have no personal experience to suggest them. Here's a fishbase link with photos and sizes for comparison.

http://www.fishbase.org/identification/SpeciesList.php?genus=Barbonymus

Wow, then I guess one would be the way to go. So you wouldn't recommend 2 due to their tendency of them establishing a pecking order?

 

[Murrayt]

If I did go with Red Hooks, how many would be appropriate for a tank of 72"Lx18x"W?

6?

 

[Rocksor]

In terms of bio load, silver dollars are a better choice than red hooks; but you did state you didn't want SDs.

Why not the Roselines?

 

[Murrayt]

In terms of bio load, silver dollars are a better choice than red hooks; but you did state you didn't want SDs.

Why not the Roselines?

I have an Ornate Bichir that is about 12", I am worried that he will snack on the Roselines when he eventually doubles that size.

Any other suggestions for good Dither fish for an Aggressive 135 Gallon?

 

[Drstrangelove]

Wow, then I guess one would be the way to go. So you wouldn't recommend 2 due to their tendency of them establishing a pecking order?

Well, to repeat what others often say from long experience, every fish is unique. There are certainly people who have kept a couple tinfoils with no problems. That might have been because of the other occupants in the tank, that they were raised together, that the leader was less assertive, etc.

But their nature says that it's more likely to be a bad stocking plan. Enough so that people have experienced this destructive behavior to the point that they suggest that it's a good thing to avoid given the option to do so.

 

[JackDempsey72]

how about redline torpedo barbs. Only get 6 inches you could have about 6 or more but depends . There really nice and i would love some one day.