Bala Sharks and Cardinal Tetras??

A

AQUA_OBSESSION

AC Members
Dec 12, 2005
56
0
0
50
Bala Sharks and Cardinal Tetras?? I have a 92 gallon corner tank and currently have a school of cardinal tetra's and rummy nose tetra's with a few angelfish. I have always liked Bala Sharks and know that they get quite big. I was considering getting a small school of these down the road but wanted to see if anyone has heard of these sharks eating Cardinal tetra's when they get bigger? I love my Cardinals and will not do anything that will hurt them or eat them. Please share your thoughts and experiences with me.

Thanks,

AQUA_OBSESSION
 
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=1177
^Here's some quick info on Bala's.
**Note: That site is a very good source but it usually gives a bit MORE minimum gallons than the fish actually needs** Example: It says the minimum for Otos is 30 Gallons.
With that said, it still says balas need a minimum of 70 Gallons, so if you were to get balas, they can still have potential in your setup ;)
 
Primetime said:
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=1177
^Here's some quick info on Bala's.
**Note: That site is a very good source but it usually gives a bit MORE minimum gallons than the fish actually needs** Example: It says the minimum for Otos is 30 Gallons.
With that said, it still says balas need a minimum of 70 Gallons, so if you were to get balas, they can still have potential in your setup ;)
Click to expand...
Sorry, but I have to disagree. LiveAquaria's min tank size is more often wrong that correct. That min of 70 gallons is for ONE bala shark, not a school.

I've emailed them in regards to their listings for rainbowfish min tank sizes (20-30g) and they informed me that their listings are for one fish, regardless of whether or not it's a schooling fish.

Roan
 
Primetime said:
Oh my mistake.
Thats weird though because that means that they're saying that one oto needs 30 gallons minimum..
Click to expand...
I neglected to mention that in many cases their rainbow fish min tank size were wrong even for ONE rainbowfish. I wouldn't put a 6" fish in a 20 gallon tank :)

FWIW I think they just copy and paste when they add a new fish. They used to have that otos bred quite easily and often in the home aquaria. I emailed them about it (I'm always emailing them to correct stuff, but at least they DO fix it) and it's fixed . . . but . . . ROFL! They still have the wrong information on their PetEduction.com site. Here:

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=16&cat=1919&articleid=2456

Wow, they haven't sync'd PetEducation.com with LiveAquaria.com at all. I emailed them about the rainbowfish listings which were WAY off. Take a look at what they had versus their corrections, especially for Bedotia gaeyi, Madagascan Rainbow:
Size up to 6", Min tank size: 50g:
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=1056

Size up to 6", Min tank size 20g:
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=16&cat=1951&articleid=2523

At least I know they take my emails seriously.
It also says on this site that bala sharks need 70 gallons.
Is that referring to just one as well?
Click to expand...
Yep, read the fine print in the specie description:

"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."​

IMO the listings should be updated to indicate whether it's one or a school, AND have a "recommended tank size" along with a minimum tank size.

But that's me.

Roan
 
Jaws

My bala shark has become quite the predator in its time. I got it as about a 2" 'er but now its roughly 4-5" It hunts down guppies and kills them and eats frozen silversides and such.
 
I agree with most that have posted already. Balas need a lot more room than a 92. I first had mine in my 46 gallon while I was waiting on my 250 to be ready. They were only about 3 inches a piece at first then as soon as I put them into the larger tank they just sprouted!!! They are now a whopping 9-10 inches each and still growing. Yes they do eat smaller fish as they mature. I was able to keep my balas with neons for a short while then I noticed the neons disappearing over time and couldn't figure out what was going on since my water readings were perfect lol :p: I had to wait and watch and finally caught them in the act! :dive:
A friend of mine also has a couple of balas in with a bichir and ropefish and will even try to eat the smaller feeder comets and rosey reds when they get put in every once in a while.
Your setup sounds really wonderfull, so I would leave it as is or if you don't have any bottom feeders, you could add some loaches. There are many different kinds and not all of then get to 12 inches like the clowns :thm:
 
Thanks for the good info. I think everyone is right and I will hold off on getting Bala Sharks. I really want to get a 220 gallon down the road (few years) and maybe that would be the ideal tank for a few Bala's.

Thanks Everyone.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom