Help Me!!!

[MadridKid]

Alright, here's the deal, ever since i got my new tiger barbs two weeks ago my otto's have been acting different. They've been lying on the floor of the tank and usually they were always swimming of sucking on something. i dont know if somethings wrong or if they feel more comfortable now. i need help so i can do what i need to do before i leave for tonight, because mostly today the otto's behavior has been the strangest overall these past days. and yes i know that i have asian fish mixed with south americans. and no, there are no "bite marks" or tears in fins from a nipping problem...actually the otto's seem to like the new tank mates...

[Lakea]

Well if if there are no bite barks the barbs could still be chasing them and stressing them out. I have never had much luck keeping otos so I can't really tell you much, they tend to be sensitive to chemical changes in the water don't they? There are many reasons for behavior change, check your water params

I had a question not really related to yours. I have been told no to mix Africans with others, but no one has ever told me not to mix Asians and south south americans, thats what I am currently doing. There isn't a problem with that is there?

[roark fishies]

The only time mine ever go to the bottom is when food supply is getting low. They suck on the gravel. But they still stay active. Sorry I wasnt' much help.

[MadridKid]

well they dont suck on the gravel....they just lay there...and the otto's arent really getting chased...the barbs are just curious and swim up to them. The first day i mixed them the otto's were trying to act like they were apart of the school to and trying to lead the pack...it was pretty funny, and they swim faster too! Good question with the water params, and ive been told not to mix any fish from different regions. Also, i was told if i got a group of barbs that were six or more, they would just mind their own buisness.... I plan on getting 2 more ottos and mabey 2 gourami and a shark of somesort... THANKS

[punkrockfish]

chances are your fish are just getting used to the new tank mates. otos can be shy, and tiger barbs are the exact opposite. i could easily see the otos trying to avoid them. check your water params too, just to double check. otos are sensitive, so if something is wrong they would be the first to show signs. you didn't do anything wrong with mixing barbs and otos. the rule on african and south american is cichlids. you just keep african cichlids with african cichlids. heck, i have otos in my african cichlid tank.

also, i would hold off on adding gourami and a shark. tiger barbs need a good amount of room, and 22g is a bit tight as is for them.