So I recently picked up a 6 gallon cube from Facebook marketplace that was advertised to hold a handful of shrimp. I even asked if there was anything else in the tank because it’s going to be the only tank in my place and I wanted it to be strictly a planted shrimp tank. When I picked it up it was already more than halfway drained and the water was pretty murky. But hey, it was a deal and I got it with the fully cycled filter so all I had to do was fill it up and add plants when I got home and it would be set.
Well I did that and saw this little dude swimming around after the water cleared. Ive since discovered it’s a juvie cherry barb which should be in schools of at least 6 and need a lot more space.
The thing is, I really don’t plan on getting any tanks larger than this(apartment living) so what should I do? I don’t want it to be stressed out all alone, should I add another and keep them as a pair? I feel like the tank will be too small when they’re full grown and they might go after my shrimp.
Posted by Embarrassed-Dot-8623
3 Comments
just get 2 more, cherry barbs are some of the best nano fish, and if there are no other fish, the little guy won’t bee scared with only 2 other cherry barbs
Try advertising it online or give it to your LFS if you’re able to. Other than that, there aren’t really any options, especially if you’re worried about your shrimp.
I really don’t know how bad it can be for your shrimp, so take this as a grain of salt. But I agree with the first commenter. It’s not ideal but getting another two, even just one can be ok. Again it’s not ideal but with no other larger fish it can be ok and shouldn’t be stressed.
I have a pygmy hatchet fish, used to have 12 but after 4 months all died but one back in June. He has been alone ever since but with other top dwelling fish. I know it’s not exactly the same because I have other top dwelling fish but it is stated they need at least 6 of their kind not to be stressed.
I’m sure my loner isn’t stressed at all. In fact it’s less jumpy than when he had peers, sometimes I wonder if he actually killed the others because no other fish died back then. He observes me when I sit around the aquarium, gets in the front glass (my aquarium is 120cmx40).
At some point I’ll get more of this exact kind when they are available here but he’s been fine for months.
https://preview.redd.it/373urep7wr9g1.jpeg?width=4080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3e4bc5a2583c2eee49d48911d6edcca910f0bf1e