Silver Shark Tail Going Red

[metalmayhem4]

Hi, I bought a silver shark just under 2 weeks ago. I feed it fish flakes but it doesn't eat much. Also I have noticed that its tail is starting to go abit red (not alot)I wondered if this is normal or whether its a symptom of any particular disease.
In the tank wit the shark is a pleco and 2 golden Barbs they all seem fine. The tank is 100 litres, ino silver sharks will outgrow this tank but I will upgrade when needed.
Also I have tested the nitrate, ammonia levels ect they all say the tank is fine.

 

[Smells a bit fishy]

Silver sharks need a minimum of 6ft x 2ft x 2ft tanks, and need to be kept in a shoal, minimum of 6. And if you lose your job or something and can't upgrade what will you do? I would take the shark back IMO. Also barbs need to be kept in shoals of 6, preferably 10-12.

 

[fluttermoth]

+1

You should always aim to keep fish only in tanks that are suitable for their whole life. It could end up sick or stunted before you even know about it; it'll just stop growing or die and then it'll be too late.

I really, strongly recommend you take it back (or get the big tank now). It will also be suffering immense stress from being on it's own; they are a very nervous and skittish fish without company.

Was your tank cycled? What are the actual numbers from the tests; 'fine' isn't good enough for us! How much and how often are you water changing and what's your filter cleaning regime?

 

[metalmayhem4]

The tank was fully cycled. I bought an API fish tester kit. I w8ed to put my fish in until the tests came back as perfect. PH level neutral all otha tests 0. I water change about 15% every week. I was planning on getting more silver sharks I just didnt want to pay out alot of money as I have not had fish for long and wanted to try the tank with a small amount. Thanks for the replies.

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

If the redness on the tail is taking the form of bloody streaks or patches then this is Septicemia (internal bacterial infection, v.important to medicate).

 

[raptorrex]

Hi, I bought a silver shark just under 2 weeks ago. I feed it fish flakes but it doesn't eat much. Also I have noticed that its tail is starting to go abit red (not alot)I wondered if this is normal or whether its a symptom of any particular disease.
In the tank wit the shark is a pleco and 2 golden Barbs they all seem fine. The tank is 100 litres, ino silver sharks will outgrow this tank but I will upgrade when needed.
Also I have tested the nitrate, ammonia levels ect they all say the tank is fine.

ok so 90l with silver sharks,plecos and barbs in a two week cycled tank?

I would get rid if everything but the barbs. the tank simply is not big enough for either of the others. most common type plecos reach 14-18 inches. most Bala, kept well, reach 12-14 inches. and need kept in groups of 3, preferably more.
and i agree with Tolak.

lol, and all other posters too!