Bala Sharks

[Shap33]

Any reason why one picture from my iPhone would be too large to post on here?

 

[celebrist]

A 220 can work depending on the scaping some overhead cover and some lower structure. I also have schools of roslines and black skirts. Make them the center piece

 

[white specter crayfish]

Thanks everyone. It’s unfortunate most fish keepers can’t keep these fish and give them the tank they really need. I’m disappointed because I felt going from a 75 gallon to a 220 gallon, 6 foot long would be sufficient long term. Do most agree this won’t be the case and maybe I’m better off trading them back in? My only thought is this fish stores sell so many of these guys for so cheap(just like the little plecos that grow huge) what are the chance they go to home with a bigger tank than a 220 gallon.

Good points in the extra aeration. On my 75 now I run 4 Acua clears, 2 110 and 2 50s. I also have a spong filter going and 3 airstones hooked up to those battery things that if the power goes out, the batteries kick on.

I actually have an extra sponge filter in now too so I can use all the extra bacteria when I make the move next week.

Will Two FX6s outtakes point at the surface of the water, 4 big airstones enough on a 220? Also all live plants.

Yeah I think it should be good. Long term? Yeah should be fine, for life? yeah you'll need to upgrade

 

[Shap33]

A 220 can work depending on the scaping some overhead cover and some lower structure. I also have schools of roslines and black skirts. Make them the center piece

View attachment 1343070

A 220 can work depending on the scaping some overhead cover and some lower structure. I also have schools of roslines and black skirts. Make them the center piece

View attachment 1343070

Great looking set up. Love roselines and balas, and the fact they are so peaceful makes them even better.

 

[Shap33]

Here’s my 75 now. Mostly big swords in the back and open swimming areas. A couple of caves. Will do a similar setup in the 220.

 

[Shap33]

Clearer picture I think.

 

[Shap33]

A 220 can work depending on the scaping some overhead cover and some lower structure. I also have schools of roslines and black skirts. Make them the center piece

View attachment 1343070

What size tank do you have?

 

[tlindsey]

Hello,

Long time listener first time caller. Been coming into the site to read a lot of helpful information however finally decided to sign up and post. There’s so many theories on Bala Sharks and I’m hoping I’ll be okay with my new set up. I’m moving from a 75 gallon to a 220 gallon next week. I’ve wanted to for awhile but the Bala Shark purchase I shouldn’t have made a few weeks ago, kind of made me pull the trigger.

I have the 5 in my community take now, doing well. They are about 3 inches, and get along with everyone. Very cool fish, and definitely use all of the tank. I’ve been surprised how Nimble they are, upside down eating off the live plants.. I used to think they were dying when I first saw that.

I have mostly rainbows, 7 roseline sharks, and one electric blue acara that HATES any other cichlid or close to a cichlid I ever attempt to try to put in the tank, but super peaceful to everyone else.

My question is, will the 220, 6 foot long, 2 foot width and almost 3 feet high be enough for this fish long term or should I loook to move them now? I made this purchase maninly for them and to see them grow in the correct environment however the more I read, some even suggest 500 gallons the minimum.

I’ll be running two FX6s that I customized to hold way more media, mechanical and biological.

Open to any suggestions. Thx in advance!

Welcome aboard

 

[celebrist]

What size tank do you have?

450

Pic from 2017

 

[esoxlucius]

You obviously love your balas and want the best care for them, hats off to you for coming for advice.

You will be absolutely fine with your 220, and for some time to come yet. Due to balas having a real turn of speed I think a longer tank is better as opposed to wider. So in time, and when them bad boys start approaching the 10" mark, you may want to upgrade, personally I think an 8x2x2 is a decent size tank, unless you can go proper monster which is even better. Do bear in mind that if your balas are happy and well cared for they are quite a long lived fish and have the potential to hit 12" in an aquarium, possibly even a touch bigger!

They do, as mentioned, require well oxygenated water, though this requirement is easy to provide. Make sure your lid is tight fitting, they are accomplished jumpers, especially if startled.