What have you had co-exist with Tiger Barbs?

[jcarr71]

I'm constantly thinking of hypotheticals. I have a 30g with a young Tiger Barb school and temporarily a young Red Fin/Tail Shark. He's moving out soon to a new home. That will leave five young Tiger Barbs the run of the tank. I plan on adding three green ones to compliment the look of the normal Tiger Barbs, but past that I am unsure. We all know the difficulty of keeping Tiger Barbs happy (read: not attacking) with the fish around them.

I want to add a bottom feeder. I believe a pleco species that grows to a maximum 4 or so inches will do well with them if provided hiding places. At that point, would you say the tank is full? I wouldn't have a big problem ending it there, but if you think I could hold more than I'd be all for it.

Regardless of whether or not it would be full though, what species have you had success with a school of eight or so Tiger Barbs? I am constantly scouring garage/tag/yard sales and craigslist for new tanks so who knows when a 55g could fall in my lap and open up new possibilities. I'd like, if possible, something creative too. I know danios will do okay, but what about something less common?

So, in summation, two things:

1) Eight Tiger Barbs, a small (NOT A COMMON!!!) pleco species. Would that be a full 29g? Or would it be overstocked?

2) Regardless of the first answer for future reference, what have you had success with from personal experience with Tiger Barbs?

Thanks a bunch for stocking opinions and any personal anecdotes.