View Full Version : Tiger Barbs loosing color
I bought 5 tiger barbs last friday and now they are loosing there color. They seem to be swimming a little funny to. I am a beginner, this is my 2nd try with tiger barbs. I don't know whats going on now. The first time they all got ich. My water is testing fine. I had to add some new water today because it was getting low. I put about a 1/2 gallon in and I put some prime in my new water to. Could that be the problem?
khines5330
04-23-2006, 09:37 AM
There are many reasons for fish losing color, the most common being stress. The water that you are using could be the issue, or the difference in temperature. I always recommend using RO water when conducting water changes. You can normally get it at local specialty fish store or you can splurge and buy your own RO equipment. Try to match the water temperatures as close as possible as the sudden change in temp will shock your fish and cause them to stress.
Hope that helps.
Bettachris
04-23-2006, 12:33 PM
i dont think that you gave the tank enough time to settle, b4 getting new fish.
-another thing you may want to consider is trying a new fish place, as if you keep buying these fish from one location and they are always sick, than that isn't the right lfs that you should be at.
- what are the numbers from your water test, as that can be helpful.
- what kind of filter are you using?
- temp of the water?
- tap water is alright, given your areas ph, but using water conditioners like stress coat are good at removing unwanted minerals.
sorry I havn't been back but now all 5 of my fish are doing fine the one that looked like his color was fading is now fine and they are swimming and eating normal. I tested my water saturday and it was good. I have 5 tiger barbs in a 20 gal tank and my husband thinks we can add more now by I am afraid that if we do it will cause something to happen to them. Last time we started adding they all died but I added 13 all in a week in a half. I am still learning so someone let me know when I should add more and what kind to add. If my water is good do I still need to do a water change every week?
Bettachris
04-25-2006, 03:34 PM
you need to change the w3ater once a week for life.
i would agree and not getting anything yet, as again the tank needs a resting period, just b/c they surive a week doesn't mean that the tank is settled and adding more fish to a 20 gallon can easy become out of controll.
Eucalyptus
05-25-2006, 03:19 AM
How much prime did you put in? Did you pay attention to what the requirements were for prime? And your water seems fine/you tested for everything? Usually they also need to be in groups of six or more and you're not adding salt to your water either, are you?
Bettachris
05-26-2006, 01:53 AM
prime has little if anything to do with it, also when stocking schooling fish, never get a big group while your tank is unsettled. makes every little sense.
salt is not needed for tiger barbs, but it is efficive at treating ich.