Tricolor Shark Assistance Please

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Rara12

Rara12

Exodon
MFK Member
Feb 28, 2009
82
22
23
New Jersey
Hi All,

I could use another perspective to help me figure out why I cant seem to keep this fish alive. To my understanding this is not a challenging fish and yet, I have gone through two dozen with only short lasting luck. Just so there's no confusion on the species, I am referring to Balantiocheilos melanopterus

The basics:
-I am currently keeping a 75 gallon fully planted aquarium with an arsenal of small peaceful species.
-I'm running 2 x larger power filters (Aqueon), 2 x twinstar nano plus, and a mid intensity LED setup that has my plants growing steadily.
-I keep the tank at a constant 76*f
- All of my fish get drip acclimated for two hours and added to the tank with the lights out
-The tank gets a 40% water change every week and a 75% water change on the last week of every month.
(I do not disturb my gravel when flushing out the water as there is only a small area with no plant growth)
- Water changes done with treated RODI water
- Tank receives regular dosing of plant additives

Ammonia - 0
Nitrites - 0
Nitrates - Below 30 ppm
PH - 7.2

My Livestock consists of the following:

Diamond Head Neons
Asian Rummynose
Peruvian Red Pencils
Gertrude's Rainbows
Panda Garra
Apistos Cacatoides
Assorted Endlers
African Baby Whale Fish (eating flake food and doing really well)
Japonica Shrimp

The Tricolors are going to be my largest fish, I'm aiming for a group of 5

I currently have one surviving Tricolor, who was not acting normal today
(I did the 75 gallon flush and he looks like he is doing better)

I have been keeping fish for may years, and have had the good fortune of keeping many tricky species both fresh and salt. After successfully keeping Goonch cats and Sturgeon, Clarion Angels, Octopus, Discus, Arapimas and many tricky dwarf cichlids (just to name a few), I thought I would have no problems keeping Tricolor Sharks.

I am at my wits' end here, can anyone help me figure out why I seem to have such bad luck with these guys?
 
My understanding back in the 90's was that these were not easy fish to keep for a long time. However, as of late it seems that it has changed.

A fair warning...these fish can grow past 15 inches and should be in schools. A 75 gallon won't work long term. I personally had one up to 13 inches in 190 gallon tank.

The only thing I can think of with your tank...These fish get stressed very easily. Could be too much activity around the tank?
 
I have 5 Balas in my 150 gallon with the largest approaching 12". I agree that a 75 would only house them temporarily. They will need a 6 foot tank for a permanent home.

As for why you are having trouble keeping them alive, I'm not sure. Do you know what your ph and water hardness is? Is there a reason you are using RODI water rather than tap? Have you tried getting them from different sources?
 
I have the option to get free RODI water through my job and have always run my tank this way to help me maintain appropriate fertilizer levels in my tank. I follow a dry dosage regiment along the lines of the estimated index method to maximize plant growth. By using RODI I have better control of the phosphate levels and reduce the presence of algae growth in the tank.

I've tried several local store and have picked up individuals that I know came from different wholesalers through my main LFS.

My GH and KH generally sit around 4-5

I plan on getting a larger setup after I move in the spring and they will have plenty of space, if I can figure out how to keep them alive that is.
 
Hmmm...I'm kinda stumped on this. My gh and kh are same as you...4-5 with my ph at 7.8. I've not had any problem with my Balas at these numbers.
 
Ok, so my one surviving guy seems to be circling the drain. Slowly but I doubt he will make it into the new year.

So I've picked up two new individuals that look to be in great shape. The batch they were in had been at my LFS for a little while so I'm staying very hopeful.

I plan on feeding pellets soaked with praziquantel and garlic for the first few weeks to minimize the chance of parasites in the gut (I'm thinking this might be the issue)

I had some concerns that my heaters might have been leaking stray voltage so I've swapped out my glass heaters for a few cobalt electronic neo-therms and added a ground probe.

Hopefully I'll have better luck.
 
First, I'd avoid drip acclimating the fish. Here is a good article here from Jeff Rapps http://www.tangledupincichlids.com/about.html
Balas are very easy to stress when first introduced so that may be part of it. I do think your theory of possible parasites could be a cause. Did you notice white poo, or not eating? Good luck on the new additions.
 
I've found these fish to be quite sensitive to large water changes. I'd cut back on the percentage your changing and see if that makes a difference.

I'm surprised your nitrate reading are so high given that you say it is heavily planted. Used to maintain an overstocked 90 where we had to dose nitrates even with biweekly waterchanges so as not to affect plant growth.

Perhaps look into some faster growing stem plants to help offset the nitrates.
 
My proactive approach to a potential parasites is probably based on nothing more then my frustration. The shark that's circling the drain looked skinny to me on close inspection. I know it's been getting enough food as I've been keeping an eye on him during feedings. I don't think my acclimation methods are the problem, the fish are fine for several weeks before dropping.
 
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