bala shark

[Cheese Specialist]

Possibly not long term. How long is the tank?

 

[lennym75]

hiya,
ive since then tried to find out the size of the tank, as i really couldnt believe, i had overcrowded the tank, but i had asked beginners question, and it turns out i have a 30 gallon tank maybe 38. what do you think of that, is this better. (cheese specialist i would appreciate you opionion too)

 

[jflowers]

Hi Lennym75

What are the dimensions of your tank, Height Width and length. From that we could tell you the exact volume of your tank.

Jon

 

[sylvia]

Unfortunately, both plecos and the bala shark will outgrow this size tank. All grow to 12 inches and the plecos are quite messy fish. Balas do better in groups so if you decide to upgrade when they outgrow your tank rather than giving them away, you may want to consider getting a few more. I would reccomend a 100 gallon... then the balas can be kept in a larger group and will have adequate swimming space and the plecos won't fight over territory as much.

 

[Cheese Specialist]

hiya,
ive since then tried to find out the size of the tank, as i really couldnt believe, i had overcrowded the tank, but i had asked beginners question, and it turns out i have a 30 gallon tank maybe 38. what do you think of that, is this better. (cheese specialist i would appreciate you opionion too)

Hey again

I looked at your post in Beginners. A 36" x 12" x 18" = 28gallons UK, 33US or 127litres

Your tank is far too small for the plecs and bala I am afraid. Those plecs can get to 18" and balas get to 12", need to be in groups and like to swim a lot. You'd really need a 6foot tank to accommodate them.

I think the best idea is for you to take them back and perhaps get a smaller breed of plec like a bristlenose, bulldog or some others.

Sorry to tell you but it is best you know, honestly.

Good luck

 

[Matty]

4ft x 2ft x 1.5ft

 

[Cheese Specialist]

4ft x 2ft x 1.5ft

4ft is not long enough for them, they need long tanks so they have adequate swimming room. The volume is good but they need 6foot for swimming space really.

Sorry.

 

[Matty]

Ouch...looks like im going to have to return them this weekend...

 

[Cheese Specialist]

Ouch...looks like im going to have to return them this weekend...

Sorry, it is a shame but it is for the best. I had 2 in my 4ft tank when I first got it but they did not survive cycling or I would have been in the same prediciment.

 

[Matty]

Are you sure?
I've already named them Huey, Duey and Louie?

 

[Cheese Specialist]

Are you sure?
I've already named them Huey, Duey and Louie?

Yeah, I am sure. The volume of your tank is great but it is not suitable fish large fish that like to swim a lot and balas are prime examples of such fish. Discus for instance would have a field day, it's just unlucky.

 

[Matty]

damn

how about 2 oscars?

 

[Cheese Specialist]

I have no experience of oscars but I have read many time that 75gallons is needed for one and 125gallons for 2 because of their size, waste and aggression.

Maybe check in the NW cichlid section.

 

[Matty]

ok...maybe piranhas?

 

[bunjiweb]

again, not suitable.

Your tank is about right for a small community tank (angels, tetras, rams etc?) Or a small african cichlid setup perhaps?

You could even fit some types of puffer fish in a tank that size but the main thing to do is to ask lots of questions and do lots of research

Ben