Jumped The Gun?

[scrumpot]

We set up our 55 gallon tank wednesday/thursday. We HAD to add fish. I knew better. I have read the "ebook". I should know right? Well I convinced the family to buy ONE fish. We got a bala shark. That was Friday. He isn't dead yet. How do I know he is eating? Is he gonna croak? Do I go get two more balas today or wait?

[Abbeys_Mom]

Wait. You have already rushed into buying a bala shark before your tank is cycled. Did you at least use cycling product? You can have your water tested at most fish stores, if you don't have a test kit. I would wait at least 2 weeks, test the water and IF it's okay, add more fish.

[gwenkat]

Bio spira is a great product if you can find it. A little pricey, but could save your shark. I used it with great success...

[jeffs99dime]

just to let you know, that bala is going to outgrow your 55 gallon. they get huge!

[Fishguy2727]

They also need schools, making them even more inappropriate for a 55. All around it sounds like it may be in the shark's best interest to be returned if that is possible. You can then properly fishless cycle your tank.

[Lady Hobbs]

I had 3 balas but one died. I had no idea they were expected to grow as large as they do or never would have gotten them! No way will I purchase more to give them the "skoal" they prefer as I will have to find a home for the ones I have eventually. They are extremely fast and big jumpers and would be a nuisance to other tank mates.

Balas are not good for a cycling fish either. They are too sensitive for poor water conditions.

[kimmers318]

Yep...you need to return the bala. If you want to add fish now, invest in the biospira or steal some established media from a friend who has a tank. The biospira is pricey, but it allows you to add fish and loads of good bacteria all at once rather than waiting on the bacteria to grow in your tank. This allows you to stock quite quickly. If you don't or can't get the biospira a fishless cycle is the only way to go....otherwise you will subject your fish to toxins while your tank balances out. Not a good thing.

[scrumpot]

I feel reprimanded............Okay so I need to find the bio spira and try to save the bala. The guy at the store didn't say anything about it out growing the tank. I planned to get two more so that they can be a school. That is what the guy suggested. You all say not to? What should I be getting then?

[jeffs99dime]

I feel reprimanded............Okay so I need to find the bio spira and try to save the bala. The guy at the store didn't say anything about it out growing the tank. I planned to get two more so that they can be a school. That is what the guy suggested. You all say not to? What should I be getting then?

don't worry. no one here is reprimanding you. we're all just trying to give you the best possible, correct info. this is a common problem in pet stores in general, in that they will give you mis-information simply to make a sale. additionally, a lot of place such as petsmart, petco, and the such don't always have employees that know much about fish keeping. i would recommend returning the bala shark a.s.a.p. i hope this helps you out.-jeff

[kimmers318]

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

Here is some information on bala sharks from badmans.....I hope I am okay doing this....not sure about whether I am allowed to post links like that, so if I am not, I will apologize in advance not only to AC, but to badmans for using there page for information for you. You are looking at a fish that can get 12-16"....needing a 72" tank for adults...and they should be kept in schools, not singly. Can you picture your 55 with 6 fish that size? What do you think they will feel like? Or even just one lonely bala with no buddies, the size of a dinner plate trying to swim around in your tank. Don't feel reprimanded, just use this as a learning experience....don't trust employees at LFS that are probably making minimum wage, working hours they don't want to work, and hoping to get a "real" job soon :). Do your own research if you see something you like...or even look to see if there is a book at the store that may have some information for you when you happen to see a fish you would like to have.

[Abbeys_Mom]

As far a choices for your 55g, you have lots of options. You could do a species tank, a community tank, discus are nice or get a piranna, senegal bichir, you could get some smaller cichlids, or go african (not really good for beginners). You are only limited buy your wallet :)