Bala Sharks

[mike724]

Hey guys I have 4 bala sharks in a 30 gallon tank and they are doing very well but they are getting quite big. I have purchased a 55 gallon tank and plan on moving them into the tank in a couple of weeks. I have read many things on how to make the move the easiest for them. I do have one question in my reading I have read about the Eco Complete Aquarium substrate and was curious if this would be good to be placed into my tank because I do intend on having live plants. Any information that you guys can give me on the eco complete or anything that should be included in my new tank would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
:thm:

 

[Squeakfish]

Bala sharks are schoolers. Add two more, and 55 gallons? More like 125 for adults. They grow fast. Way fast.
Eco-Complete works for plants. Rooted plants do best in it.
But seriously. 125 gallons, minimum.

 

[excuzzzeme]

I agree that a 55 is way too small. I got mine when he was 4-5 inches and in a month he has grown another 2 inches. He is in a 6ft tank with others his size and he schools well with the other fish. I don't think he has noticed he is different.

I have sand for substrate and I often see him picking at it and sifting it. Keep in mind that plants take away from available swimming area and these guys need a lot of it.

 

[Squeakfish]

It's actually better if you place plants at each end of the aquarium to give the shark a sort of barrier between it and the aquarium wall. Balas occasionally become big fans of smashing into walls and threats to jump if they are unhappy.
Use tall thin plants, like vals and swords. Place them in the back and on the sides of the tank, leaving the middle area open for swimming space.

 

[mostlycichlids]

For a group you are going to need a minimum of a 220 gallon tank. You may consider re homing them and getting something adequate for a 55g.

 

[jpappy789]

I've heard 180 gallon as a minimum for a bala shark group, but either way you would need a much larger upgrade in the long run. At close to 16" long the adults are sometimes timid and need a lot of swimming room.

 

[DarrylR]

Eco-Complete is not like miraclegrow, unless you have C02. In my experience I have not seen like radioactive superduper monster plant growth, just normal.