tiger barb problem

Oct 22, 2002
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#1
2 weeks ago, I started a new tank(10 gal.). This is my first experience with fish tank. I bought 5 tiger barbs and everything was fine untill today. When I got back from work, I noticed that one of my barb (I think this is a female and the smallest fish of the group) had an injury on the nose and was alone in a corner of my tank. She breath really fast and some times, she start swimming really fast, banging on the windows or in the gravel before returning in the corner.

The other barbs are healty and act normaly.

What happen to her and is there anything I can do?

Thanks for helping
 

Oct 22, 2002
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philadelphia
#2
Nuke
Has your tank cycled?  Go to the Krib and learn what you can about the nitrogen cycle.  Barbs are not exactly aggressive but they are very "pesky" they chase and they nip.  Theyset up definate pecking orders and it's possible that your little one has been picked on and is quite unhappy about being in a little tank full of bullies.    

On the other hand if the tank hasnt fully cycled the fish could be exposed to toxic stuff in the water.  Barbs arepretty hardy but maybe the little one is the fist to show symptoms.  Barbs are very active and often dart around the tank alot.  I hope some others come along with some more ideas.  My advise would be wait and watch.  

Ask your LFS to test your water.  With a new tank I wouldn't be to quick to do a water change unless the test indicates it . If you know someone with an established tank you could get a handful of gravel from them to seed some beneficial bacteria and jump start the nitrogen cycle.  If you tank has cycled you might consider adding one or two more small barbs to take some heat of the other one.  Most people say you need 6 or more TBs for them to be happy.  

One more hint,  even if a tank has cycled, you shoul introduce you fish to the tank slowly- especally on a small tank.  This is defenitely one of the harder things to learn as a beginner.  Patience, patience, patience.  It pays in the long run.  Your more likely to stick with the hobby too.  It is addicting.  Remember it's supposed to be fun so relax,  and take it slow.  ENJOY:)  
 

Matt Nace

Superstar Fish
Oct 22, 2002
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Pennsylvania
#3
What pdidymoose said...

I would test your water for ammonia and nitrIte. pick up a nitrAte as well.

If they are in the deadly or toxic range, you must do a water change. Do not touch your filter for now. You bacteria is growing in there.

Tiger barbs have a huge appetite, I can only assume you are feeding a lot...cause they will eat it.

Feed only every other day for these fish, and only once a day.
  I prefer to give them mini floating pellets. They can only eat so many, cause they can only fits so many in their mouthes. They also can not shoot it through their gills like they can with flakes, making it less messy.
 

WonderFish

Medium Fish
Oct 22, 2002
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#5
Hi, everyone.  New here.

Anyway, to try and answer the tiger barb question.  Tiger barbs can be very aggressive, even to each other.  So large schools are needed to curb this, and thus a larger aquarium.  But like everyone else said, if your water isn't cycled this will not help any wounds your fish received from his fellow tank mates.  If you have a quarantine/hospital tank (which you should)  I would remove this fish and give it a tank of its own to recuperate, or provide more cover in your current tank.  This water in the hospital tank doesn't necessarily need to be cycled if you use an ammonia remover.  I have 5 tiger barbs with no problems, at least serious ones.  They still fight (play really) but with no problems.  Definetely do water changes.
 

Oct 22, 2002
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#6
Thank a lot for your helpfull answers.  My tiger is still alive and seems better.  Under your advises, i changed 10-20% of the water and i reduced the feeding of the fish (no food in decomposition in the water) and bought a kit for the water analysis.  Finally, the amonia was a little bit too high but the thank is not cycled.

Thankie  *celebratesmiley*