can a cherry barb live by itself? (unlike tetras)... and a question about bettas and temp.'s for them...?

Question

can a cherry barb live by itself like a catfish, or does it need to be in groups, like a tetra? and is 72 hot enough for a Betta? I read that if the temp. isn't hot enough, they will become lethargic... thanks

Answer 1

Cherry barbs will do much better in a group. 72 is warm enough for a betta to live and be reasonably active. He could become a little lethargic at that temperature.

MM

Answer 2

Well I would first confirm that Cherry Barbs and Bettas like water of the same - or very similar pH. Although bettas are very hardy and can live in most pH's and temperatures - you still want them to be in the most ideal conditions. Barbs are nice little fish, and I do not think you would have any aggression issues having a community tank with them and a male betta. Smaller Gourami breeds would also be another consideration as they are VERY similar to Bettas in their body type (they also have a lybrythe sp? organ) and water preferences - but are much less aggressive.

Answer 3

cool fish, while it's true that a betta can live at 72 degrees, he won't show his true colors and be as active. I could live in a house that was constantly 65 degrees but I wouldn't be comfortable.

Bettas prefer temperatures in the upper 70s with about 78 being optimal.

Both previous posters are correct that the barbs will do better in a group of 5 or 6 but don't overstock the tank to accomplish that.

Answer 4

Really, a catfish shouldn't be left alone or it would not be as active as if he had friends. Cherry barbs are the same thing because they need companies. The temperature should be at 75-82oF

Answer 5

That above is ********, Bettas are fine at 72. Cherry barbs can live alone but are better together. If the temperature is under 60 then it will be lethargic

Answer 6

I have 2 cherry barb 2 ruby barbs and 2 rosy barbs. They are all doing just fine.