New 29g Aquarium with 1 black shark and 2 "painted" tetras.

Zr0

Zr0

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Mar 29, 2008
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Ive had this tank for about 2 or 3 days and I think the gravel might not be washed thoroughly, because that isn't a long enough time period to have bacteria buildup is it? It isn't a lot of fog, barely Noticeable but Its there and Just want to know if I should worry.

Black Shark Worries- I hear black sharks grow to 2 feet and should be in a minimum of 55 gallon tank but I don't have the space for a 55 gallon, will I end up giving him away? He has a slight white cover over one of his eyes and I don't know if hes blind in that eye or if its nothing.

Upkeep Worries- Tank came with a side filter and I might go and get a second in-water filter or a gravel cleaner to help keep the tank clean because already there is a decent amount of leftover flakes on the bottom of the tank.

Any advice or questions about my setup that would help you help me are welcome and appreciated. Thanks.
 
The shark will need to be moved prolly soon depending on size.

I think your prolly over feeding, only feed what they eat in 3 min. lil pinches, then another ect.

The HOB (hang on back) filter you have is prolly fine.

The tank just needs to CYCLE. I would add some "Seachem Prime" and wait it out. Search up above for cycle info.

Also there are test kits to check for water vitals.
 
You are just beginning a fishy cycle, so getting a good liquid test kit and testing daily and doing partial water changes as needed to keep ammonia and nitrite below .25 (probably daily as well) will be necessary for your fish to survive. If you don't already know about cycling, see the sticky on this forum. Also definitely add Seachem Prime. Most likely your tank's cloudiness is from a bacterial bloom - only takes a couple days after adding fish for this to occur. Although dirty substrate could always be the problem.

The black shark can grow up to 2 feet, and I have heard they need far bigger than a 55 gallon - more like a 125. They get big, quite active, and very aggressive. What other fish do you have in there?? Most likely he will bully and kill them, I've heard of some that have killed tankmates even larger than themselves. They also grow pretty quickly. I'd get rid of him ASAP.

Also, if you do already have a test kit, please post your water parameters.
 
What kind of filter is it...AC, Whisper..what size...? Send us a pic if you are unsure.

Yes, you will need a gravel vac to remove the uneaten food and fish wastes. Do this at each water change.

Get a good liquid test kit to monitor your ammonia, nitrites and nitrates.
 
Thanks for all the advice and I don't want to get rid of the shark. He has loads of personality and I have fallen in love with him. I will eventually probably try and get a 55 gallon just to keep him. I bought him a little vase cave and he hides in it all day until he wants to play.

As for tank upkeep I will take the advice given and as far as pic's go my webcam doesn't reach to a good view of it but I can try to get a Side shot If it will help (Its painfully empty because I have to wait until my next check to Make it pretty) Pic 1 = Filter, Pic 2 = tetras, Pic 3 = semi-front view and the black shark is in the vase cave.
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. I think the HOB filter is good I just need to cycle the tank like FtwayneFish said.

Just got a gravel vacuum for the food on the bottom and I'm going to wait until the water is good until I get a new fish.
 
the cloudiness in the shark's eye is probably a result of bad water. try for 25% changes daily or 40-50% every 2-3 days until the tank is cycled.
 
Did a 25% water change about an hour ago and How long do I wait until I have to change the filter slot thing? (its a whisper 30 power filter if that helps)
 
A 55g isn't big enough for a 2 foot long fish. He'll be half the length of the tank and not able to even turn around. You're just condemning him to a slow death and disfigurement/deformities from stunting.
 
Well hes only about 2 inches right now so i guess I'll wait until he gets a little bigger before I start planning to get rid of him.

Don't some fish only grow according to the size of the fish tank they are in? Any chance black sharks do that?
 
Zr0 said:
Well hes only about 2 inches right now so i guess I'll wait until he gets a little bigger before I start planning to get rid of him.

Don't some fish only grow according to the size of the fish tank they are in? Any chance black sharks do that?
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No, no fish do that. If they are far too large for the aquarium they are in, it is true they will stop growing, this is called "stunting". This means all of the fishes internal organs will continue to grow, while the outside of the body is unable to grow due to space limitations. The fish will die a slow, painful death as the organs literally outgrow the body - not a pretty sight, and very cruel.
 
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