Bala shark Questions

[BWareOfSharks]

we will soon be getting some Bala Shark's and we had a few question, as we are just beginners....
We have searched the web as to which size tank we should start with;we have found the sizes ranging from 55gallon to 300 gallon tanks, we have considered the 55 as one to start out with,but questioning it's size on here.we will prolly start out with four Bala's, to give an idea of numbers. Also, we were wondering what we would need for these fish to thrive,as far as tank suppies,the proposed tank we have found comes with a 200 watt heater,2 flourecsent lights, filter systems(possibly a Hang On The Back filter,that looks like a double filter)thermometer. We're trying to find what we need as far as gravel,sand,etc? fake plants and rocks,or real ones,how much sunlight,possibly little hide-aways for them to hide and chill out.Also a biggie,what to look for when we go and pick the fish from the store,as in visible signs on being unhealty,so we don't end up paying for a fish that has already signed his/her will!LOL Any info will be greatly appreciated and welcomed,thanks alot!

 

[myst79]

You should get as large a tank as you can for them. 55 gallon is a bare minimum, and it won't be large enough in reality. They can grow to 8-12" +.


You should try to keep lots of open space in the tank, from middle to top. They are active swimmers, and that's part of the reason they need such large tanks.

Make sure the top is tightly covered. They are jumpers too.


Hopefully, someone else here can help with your other questions.

 

[Rhys]

I would suggest a 75 as bare minimum and they do well in a 125. Also if you have a 125 i would add 4 balas and you also then have room to add other fish that may tickle your fancy but i suggest research if you are going to set up a community tank.

 

[BWareOfSharks]

This is grat info guys, but to clear one thing up, the 4 Bala's will be the only fish in the 55 gallon tank,no other fish will be added.

 

[Alex]

I had 3 Balas in a planted 55g and afer a year they were up to 4, 5 and 6" in size and as skittish as they are the 55g was not big enough for them. Just my 2 cents worth, don't get them unless you have a 8 foot long tank. If you are looking for a shiney fish try Diamond Tetras.

Alex

 

[TKOS]

From the balas I have seen, the bigger the tank and the bigger the group the less skittish these guys are.

And it isn't the bioload of these fish that is the problem, but their size and need of swimming. So a 55 gallon with 4 balas could probably still contain some small dwarf plecos or SAE or even some smaller catfish without problems. But a 75 gallon would be all that much better.

 

[aquariumfishguy]

IMO, I don't like to see Balas in less than 75 gallon tanks...minimum. The reason being I have seen some pretty crouded bala tanks that were like 150 Gallons, so in my mind I couldn't imagine a fully grown bala in anything less.

In the wild, Balas can well exceed 1-2 ft. Infact, they are known to be some of the largest aquarium fish out there....that are commonly kept anyway.

 

[Alainuws]

I have 2 bala sharks in a 48 gallons tank with a few more fish.

Maybe the shape of the tank matters also.

I have seen some 75 gallons tank shorter then mine.

I know my aquarium is called to be over stocked when all my fish gets bigger. It will just give me an excuse to get a bigger tank.
But for now they all seem very happy.

I have pics of my tank posted if you want to see them, check my tank specs below.

 

[WarriorZ]

I have 4 Balas in my 150G. Ranging from 4 to 9" in lenght. It doesn't take much to scare them, and man they take off! This morning as I was feeding them, one jumped right out of the **** tank!

Be prepared.

 

[HarmonyAZ]

From the species profiles on this site:

Bala Shark
AKA: Silver Shark
Balantiocheilos melanopterus (Bleeker, 1851)


Temperment Sociability Min. Tank Availability Area
Peaceful Groups 70 gallons Common Middle


A large and very active fish that needs a roomy tank, the Bala (or Silver) Shark should be kept in groups with its own kind and\or other large, quick-swimming fish such as Tinfoil Barbs or Silver Dollars. If not kept in these conditions the fish will become frightened very easily and over-stressed. They grow to a foot or more in length, and at this size even a 65 gallon tank won't be enough to keep a small group together. Use a planted tank, as well as a tight-fitting canopy to ensure the fish cannot escape as they are excellent jumpers. They will accept most foods.
Family:
Cyprinidae
Type:
Cyprinids
Distribution:
Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia
Max Size:
14"
pH:
Neutral
Temperature:
72-82° F.
Diet:
Omnivorous
Breeding:
Unreported