My Bala Is A Freak!

[fishchick]

I have a three and a half year old six inch bala that will not calm down....i bought two in the beginning and his buddy died about six months ago and ever since he hasn't been the same. I have checked PH levels, which are fine, tried no salt and salt with no change..and even added two more bala's recently since they are a shoaling fish..He is constantly swimming against the glass, and completely freaks out when I approach to feed. He runs into the heater and filter pipe at full speed and I'm affraid soon it's going to be another fish..He's in a 55 gallon tank that has plenty of room for him to swim, i just don't get it???It has gotten to the point where watching the tank is no longer stress relieving, but stressful with his behavior. Any advice before he give's himself or another fish a head injury lol

 

[england]

Bala sharks are skittish, a 55g tank is not near enough room for one, hence the banging into glass all the time, they need big tanks,i had 4 in a 150 gallon tank, this got to small for them aswell....I would reccomend re-homing him personally, get something smaller that does not need alot of swimming space, these fish are built for speed and need alot of free swimming space

 

[Verminator89]

Well said nelly, thats all that can be said really

 

[fishchick]

I have definately considered this as a remedy...I am looking into a larger tank, hopefully my house can accomodate it.I have very limited space and might end up having to find him a new home with someone who has a bigger tank if I can't figure something out.I just wanted to make sure he wasn't sick.thanks so much for the advice..

 

[england]

Do please check all water readings aswell, as high readings can upset fish, i was beleiving you have done all this? but re read u said u checked ph,what about ammonia, nitrate,nitrite etc?

 

[fishchick]

yes have checked those as well and all was well....

 

[Stoty]

They are a schooling fish so he is probably stressed because he is lonely in a thank that is too small for him.

 

[fishchick]

i just added two more of a much smaller size in hopes that it would calm him down..but still no change..just got myself into a bigger heap because they won't stay small for long..he seem's to be doing better..he has his day's. and it seem's to help at night if i only turn one side's light on as opposed to both..he prefer's the darker side, and stays calmer when i do this..