Green Tiger Barb Help

[amcwedge]

I just started a 20 gal aquarium a little over a week ago and currently have 2 Red Wag Platie's, 2 Green Tiger Barbs, and 4 Rummy Nose Tetras. All the fish are doing great so far but my Barbs don't seem to get along. The bigger of the two has been nibbling at the smaller ones tail. Does anyone know why this is happening and what I can do to make them stop?

[rich311k]

Tiger barbs will establish a heir achy in their schools with only two the dominant fish will only have the other fish to pick at. You need to have 6-8 of them to spread out the aggression.

[amcwedge]

Thanks for the quick responce. I will have to go buy a couple more of them once my tank is established more.

[Pandora]

I had a similar problem with my barbs - i put in extra caves and plants. The nipped barb hid out for a couple of days and has now started rejoining the group. The nipping seems to have stopped. Just waiting for the tail to grow back now....

[Northernguy]

Welcome to the Fabulous AC!:22:
How long since you started the tank?
Are you still cycling?
More TBs will definately help stop the nipping.Your fish will need plenty of water changes to heel any wounds from the nipping.

[amcwedge]

I added fish a week ago and I am still cycling. After a week I still haven't really seen any ammonia although today I think the test started to have a slight tint of green. I guess its just not that much yet.

[Lab_Rat]

Get ready to do some daily water changes, you're about to get an ammonia spike. Definitely do not add more fish until after you are done cycling.

[amcwedge]

Yeah I have been expecting it I just need it to come. So doing daily water changes is alright? I'm not quite sure on how often I can do them safely.

[Lab_Rat]

Daily water changes will likely be necessary to keep your fish alive through the cycle. As long as you match the temperature and dechlorinate it should not be stressful for your fish to do frequent water changes.

[rich311k]

You can do a water change as often as you want or need to. Match the temperature and be sure to dechlorinate. Besides that you can change as much and as often as needed.

[amcwedge]

Ok that is good to know. I suspect I will be starting the water changes soon, maybe even tomorrow.