tiger barbs in a community?

[natlet]

Through a long set of unforseen circumstances, I acquired a trio of bitty tiger barbs from a friend the other day. They've got a 10-gallon all to themselves right now, but depending on whether or not I get to keep them, I'd like them to be a part of the 30gal community tank I've been vaguely planning.

Now here's my question. All the literature I've seen on the internet has suggested that I can keep a small group of these guys with a more placid fish (I've even seen male betta suggested.....somewhere, but watching these guys zip, I'd never put a male in there!). Would, say, 7 of these buggers, plus maybe five female bettas in a heavily-planted 30 gallon be a reasonable idea? Or am I thinking way too many fish? Or the wrong type? Help! I thought I had this thing all worked out, and then these gorgeous little monsters plopped into my life.

[edit] Also - though my friend swears the three get along just fine, I'm paranoid that the largest and smallest are ganging up on the midsize one. None have any visible signs of damage, and they look like they're all hanging out now, but last night the midsize one was just hiding in the cave while the other two explored. Was he just bugged out by getting moved? I think so. If I do catch the other two harassing him, though, how should I displace the aggression?

[amanichen]

Now here's my question. All the literature I've seen on the internet has suggested that I can keep a small group of these guys with a more placid fish

Yes, and no. A small group of small tiger barbs might coexist with other fish in a large enough tank, but the possibility of harassment is always there.

Of course, any issues due to territorality, and pecking order are automatically amplified. Every group of fish has these issues, but it's more violent whent the fish are more aggressive.

I've even seen male betta suggested.....somewhere, but watching these guys zip, I'd never put a male in there!

Bettas can become targets for even the most docile of fish. Tiger barbs are not docile.

Would, say, 7 of these buggers, plus maybe five female bettas in a heavily-planted 30 gallon be a reasonable idea? Or am I thinking way too many fish? Or the wrong type? Help! I thought I had this thing all worked out, and then these gorgeous little monsters plopped into my life.

I would avoid doing that. If you're going to get tiger barbs, put them in at the same time with fish of a similar size and aggression. The more swimming room, and aquascaping there are, the less problems there will be.

[edit] Also - though my friend swears the three get along just fine, I'm paranoid that the largest and smallest are ganging up on the midsize one. None have any visible signs of damage, and they look like they're all hanging out now, but last night the midsize one was just hiding in the cave while the other two explored. Was he just bugged out by getting moved? I think so. If I do catch the other two harassing him, though, how should I displace the aggression?

If one fish is hiding, it's being harassed. Either remove it from the group or get a larger amount of tiger barbs.

[natlet]

Thanks! After watching these guys for a couple days, I'd decided as much on my own. The wish list has now expanded to include a barb tank. My boyfriend hates me

I added two more fish (from my beloved LFS) this afternoon and the fivesome seems to be getting along well.