How many Bala's in a 120 gallon?

shar

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Jun 17, 2004
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Hi all,

Well, the ammonia has been at 0 (still bringing back up to 5ppm)and nitrItes are at 5 since Sunday and as we are hoping that we are moving towards the end of cycling, we're looking on to the fish!

We are going to base the tank around bala's, we've always enjoyed these guys but never had a tank big enough to have ourselves.

They will be the first ones in so here are a couple questions:

1. How many would be a good group for the tank size?

2. once cycle is complete(assuming the cycle will EVER complete;)
What is the best way to stock?


tank is 120 L haven't measured it yet

Thanks,
Shar
 
Well based on AC's profile of balas:
http://www.aquariacentral.com/species/db.cgi?db=fresh&uid=default&ID=0487&view_records=1

I'd think you could keep a group of 4, and that would allow room for other fish. Balas are so pretty!!!

Do you want suggestions of what else to put in there, or do you have an idea?

If I were you (note jealousy in voice!) here's what I'd do with a 120 and balas as the centerpiece:

4 balas
1 fancier than common pleco (but not too $$$)
2 male bettas (always wanted to give this a try, 120 is a good size tank for them to each establish their own territories, I think)
8 glo light tetras
8 black neon tetras (penguins, I think they're called)
3 cories

~Tara (green with ENVY!!)
 
I have 3 in an 80gal with a gourami, Red Tailed Black Shark, 2 cats, and 2 pl*c's. Without getting into territory issues, I'm sure there is enough room in a 120 for 4-5 of the Balas. Well natured fishies, I like them.
 
Originally posted by Blinky
You said the tank is 120 L do you mean it's a 120g 'long' tank or it's 120 litres? Just curious, it makes a big difference :)

oh I meant 120 Long, From reading all the posts I see everyone posts the dimensions which is what I will do next.

I was thinking 4 balas would look cool cruising thru the tank, not sure yet about what else,but it's been fun researching =)

Shar
 
8 black neon tetras (penguins, I think they're called)

Actually, they're two different tetras. Here's a google pic of a black neon:
http://www.****************/images_01/tetra_black_neon_w240.jpg

And here is what a penguin tetra looks like:
37.jpg



Just to let you know :D .


BTW, keeping to the subject, I would deffinitely put Balas and clown loaches, and a severum or two, and of course, lots of different types of tetras!:D Good luck with the tank.:sad I wish I had something that big.



Serg
 
Thanks for the clarification, Serg!!! Going by your pictures, I had black neons at one time, and they were a hardy (and very colorful) bunch! The stripe down their side sometimes was a glowish red color!

Dean ~ I agree, but in a 120, there is plenty of room for hiding spaces/territories... if I had a 120 I would design it so I could keep 2 males in there -- lots of tall plants etc...

~Tara
 
Actually Clown loaches are 2nd on my list:) The Black ghost knifefish fasincates me, but Im wondering if you ever see them?

I checked Severums out yesterday at the LFS, they are beautiful and think a couple of these will make a great addition.

also like both those tetras, that's half my problem I want them all, guess that's a sympton of MTS!

Thanks for all the good wishes & suggestions, trying to decide what to add has been so much fun.

Regards,

Shar
 
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