Bala Sharks

[komodo182]

Hello,
I have 4 small bala sharks ( I know they are not real sharks). I am getting a 90 gallon or so and I wanted to know how I should set it up for the balas. I heard 55 would be fine for the 4 balas, but that sounds small to me.
I know this 90 gallon tank is in no way a monster tank, but I figured someone out there would know the best setup for the balas. I also have some smaller cordoras ( about 3-4 inches) and some small plecos (3-6 inches) as well as one "4 lined pictus cat" about 5-6 inches. I have been told its a 4 lined pictus cat.
My point is I am wondering if anyone has found any really good set ups for some fish that I have.

Thanks a lot

 

[Warborg]

Bala sharks can get up to 1 foot with ease in a home tank, plus they like to be in groups. A 55 is only good for a grow out tank.

Even though it may be to big for you, I'd recommend a 180.

Edit: The others are bottom fish and won't affect your balas

 

[smpage]

Even a 180 would seem cramped with 4 full grown balas but definitely better than a 55 or a 90!

 

[Chromobotia]

I would put some fake plants on each side of the tank. That way when the Balas begin to scatter they won't run into the sides of the tank. I assume that your Balas will act the same as mine. My sharks scatter like crazy everytime I approach the tank. Annoying as hell.

 

[Morcs]

Balas are fast swimmers and like to swim, whearas most 1ft cichlids are happy in a 55 as they just hang out, balas need swimming space.

 

[MadRussian79]

Love them, favorite fish after discus. They are very active swimmer and they can really jump so a large tank with a lid is a must. I have my 3 in a 265 not sure if it's just dump luck or the tank size but mine are not the least bit skittish. One will hand feed with the Discus the other two get close enough to pet but won't actually nibble my hand. Don't think your other fish will bother them however a 90 is a bit small four 4 adults. The plants on the side of the tank might help with ramming but if the get spooked bad enough they will hurt themselves no matter what you do.

Good luck and post some pics.

 

[komodo182]

right now the four of them are in a 36 gallon. They are only like 3-4 inches a piece. Extremely friendly which is weird. They think everytime I come over to them I will give them food which makes them come to the surface. They are not the least bit skittest since I have had them since they were about 1-1.5 inches.

They do not like cameras,lol. I just took these pictures and they were not happy with me.

I know there is fuzzy algae in the tank. I bought a plant at pets unlimited here and the algae exploded. I do have SAE in there since I heard that can help, but once I get my new tank, this tank is being shut down and the algae is going to die. I heard H2O2 works well to get rid of that. if anyone has any experience with fuzzy algae or any good methods to get rid of it let me know please.