Bala Sharks? Alot of questions...

[sinistersaint]

Hey everyone. i have been doin alot of research on bala sharks as i would like to get a few baby ones for my 55 gallon. I have read alot of conflicting reports and articles about them and what size aquarium they need to be kept in. I have a 55 gallon and was wondering how many i should get, if any.

Thanks

 

[A. Nonymous]

What other fish do you have/plan to have in the tank?

 

[sinistersaint]

Umm I was thinking about 4 Pictus?

 

[sinistersaint]

Haven't really thought about what else. But i would more than likely put in about 8-10 Tiger Barbs.

 

[jaysen]

they grow quickly and need a lot of swimming space. i would avoid them.

 

[gordonw]

i had 2 smaller bala sharks in my 55 for a short period of time, they seemed extremely happy until the day i traded them out. If you dont want to go through the process of eventually rehoming them i wouldnt bother.

 

[mountain_webste]

Balas will out grow a 55 in a couple years.

I had three in my lightly stocked 55, but am down to one now - he's getting moved to a larger tank shortly and will get some friends. I have a friend who has four very healthy ones in a 55 but that is his only stock.

Also, you mentioned getting barbs. Balas are very skittish so if your barbs harrass them you'll have some unhappy balas

 

[sinistersaint]

wat would you guys suggest instead of balas. I just really like the shark look lol

 

[fishorama]

Some of the biggish rasboras like scissor tails, SAEs or puntius dennisonii

 

[excuzzzeme]

Balas need a 6' tank at minimum as they need length for swimming. They also need to be in a school which means you need a large tank (150 gallons or more). Similar to a shark they almost are non-stop swimmers, or at least mine rarely stop.