Can chinese algae eaters live with tinfoil barbs?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Chinese algae eaters and tinfoil barbs get along in the same tank. Both are fine at 74–80°F. Plan on at least 125 gal.

Chinese algae eaterChinese algae eater74–80°F · pH 6–8 Tinfoil barbTinfoil barb72–80°F · pH 6.5–7.5

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 74–80°Chinese algae eater 74–80°Tinfoil barb 72–80°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6.5–7.5Chinese algae eater 6–8Tinfoil barb 6.5–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Chinese algae eater · 10 inTinfoil barb · 12 in0"2"4"6"8"10"12"
Adult length in an aquarium. A fish can swallow anything that fits in its mouth, roughly a third to half its own length for predators.

Care at a glance

Chinese algae eaterTinfoil barb
Temperature74–80 °F72–80 °F
pH6–86.5–7.5
Adult size10.0 in12.0 in
Minimum tank75 gal125 gal
TemperamentSemi-aggressivePeaceful
Swims atBottomMiddle
GroupAlone or in pairsGroups of 5+
DietHerbivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for chinese algae eaters

All chinese algae eater tank mates

Better tank mates for tinfoil barbs

All tinfoil barb tank mates

Questions

Can chinese algae eaters live with tinfoil barbs?

Yes. Chinese algae eaters and tinfoil barbs get along in the same tank. Both are fine at 74–80°F. Plan on at least 125 gal.

What temperature suits both chinese algae eaters and tinfoil barbs?

74–80 °F. Chinese algae eaters need 74–80 °F, tinfoil barbs need 72–80 °F.

What size tank do chinese algae eaters and tinfoil barbs need together?

At least 125 gal, set by the tinfoil barb. Add space for each extra fish.