Bala Tank Mates

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bblboy54

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Sep 7, 2004
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When I move up to a larger tank in the next few months I am going to get some Bala sharks. In order to fit the larger tank in my apartment, I need to get rid of one of the 10 gallons that I have. I am curious as to whether the fish I have in that 10 gallon can move to the larger tank with the Bala's. Currently in that tank are:

1x Red Rainbow Shark
1x Albino Rainbow Shark
2x Black Skirt Tetra
1x Rosy Barb

Thanks!
 
Those fish should be fine to add to your larger tank with the Balas....however, I would suggest only one of the sharks. As they mature they tend to get more aggressive. IMO you shouldn't have more than one shark per tank(not including the balas) whether they're a different type or not, like you have. If your LFS will take one of them back, then try to exchange it for something else, maybe add another rosey barb....increase the size of your tetra school.
The sharks def. need to be moved to the larger tank though as soon as you have it setup....a 10 gallon just is big enough for one...let alone two.
What size tank are you planning on getting? If you're thinking of getting Balas, I'd suggest getting no less than a 75 gallon, as those fish get about a foot and they are schooling fish. Best to keep them in groups of 3 or more. A 55g would be too narrow for them when they grow, they wouldn't be able to turn around without touching the sides...hence the reason I say no less than a 75g.
Good Luck with everything and keep us posted. Yell if you have any other questions ;)
 
NO THEY WOULD NOT!

Dont mix any sharks with balas, any other TYPES of sharks, they will fight to death, i dunno how many times i tell people that, but im telling you, you shouldnt mix balas with other species of shark. You rarely get some that dont fight.
 
imo balas are a very peaceful shark and tend to do great in schools they have doone exceedingly well with any community fish i have placed with them except for my red tiped shark..that was interesting to say the least ...needles to say they were seperated and my bala is happy with all of the other fish in his tank ..mostly tetras danios and corys ,,hes content being the largest without terrorizing the little guys
 
I have heard nothing but peaceful things about Balas. I think so many people get the term "shark" stuck in their head and they stereo-type them.

At any rate, I will probably be stepping up to a smaller than 75g tank at first. As the fish grow I have a couple options including again upgrading the tank. It's basically going to be a cross that bridge when I get there.... but one thing is for sure, I wont let the balas struggle :) I was once told that balas can do well in my parents 29g.... I never went that route tho.... figured that was a bit too small :)
 
At full maturity bala shark average 12 inches and the fact that they are schooling fish mean keeping at least six of them. Just you would need tank bigger than 65 gallons.

One of the behaviours reported by many, including me, in keeping a single bala shark in small tank is that they constantly swim and smash against the glass, almost as if they are trying to escape.

Rohn
 
bblboy54 said:
I have heard nothing but peaceful things about Balas. I think so many people get the term "shark" stuck in their head and they stereo-type them.

At any rate, I will probably be stepping up to a smaller than 75g tank at first. As the fish grow I have a couple options including again upgrading the tank. It's basically going to be a cross that bridge when I get there.... but one thing is for sure, I wont let the balas struggle :) I was once told that balas can do well in my parents 29g.... I never went that route tho.... figured that was a bit too small :)
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Actually, the 75 gallon is too small. As balas grow to around 13 inches and like friends, I'd say doubling the 75 is still too cramped. Your rainbow sharks will likely not do well with each other. As for how they behave with the bala, it can be that certain individual rainbows are a bit too aggressive for a bala, so keep an eye out. Aditionally, your tetras and barb would love others of their kind to hang around with.
 
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