Silver Shark, Top Swimming... Help

[canary5]

Hello, hope everyone is ok? I went to my LFS to buy 1 Red Tail Black Shark for my 120 litre community tank, but they told me to get 3 Silver Sharks as they are more friendly. After buying them, I came home and did some research and found out they grow to a foot long. I am thinking of taking them back and getting 1 Red Tail. would you advise this?

Also, I have noticed that as soon as I turn my aquarium light off, all of my fish swim at the top of the tank with their mouth out of the water. As soon as I turn the light on, they swim like normal. Is this normal?

The Fish I have are

3x Silver Shark
4x Neon Tetra
5x Emporer Tetra
5x Diamond Tetra
5x Pentazona Barbs

Any help is welcome

Thank you

 

[Matty P]

Red Tailed Black Sharks grow to that size as well

 

[rowdyburns21]

I would suggest youve got some kind of aeration problem, have you got plenty of surface agitation?

 

[gowing238]

When those sharks get bigger you wont have many un eaten tetras left!

 

[KingofthePisces]

i wouldnt trust that verdict silver sharks wouldnt hurt a dust particle on the surface of the water ive seen fully grown ones that are housed with neons there probably supersized being housed in a 120 litre

 

[roseK]

i thought redtailed sharks only grow half the size of a bala.. like 6'' ish i read it on the profile on here.. or maybe im crazy.

but i would take them back for the one redtail.

 

[scooterchick]

Yes, red tail sharks are much smaller than silver sharks fully grown. OP you're quite right, those 3 fish are totally unsuitable for your tank, another LFS strikes again. If you provide plenty of hiding places for your rtbs he'll be fine. I have one and he has a castle and a log to hide in, I never see him during the day, he comes out scavenging at night and doesn't say boo to any of my other fish, he's really quite a sweetie.When I go to my LFS now, I know what I'm going for and don't really ask them anything now. I run it by the guys and gals here first!!

i thought redtailed sharks only grow half the size of a bala.. like 6'' ish i read it on the profile on here.. or maybe im crazy.but i would take them back for the one redtail.

Agreed.

When those sharks get bigger you wont have many un eaten tetras left!

Disagree, silver sharks are very peaceful and a fish would literally have to swim into their mouths to get eaten. However they're too big for that tank.

 

[scooterchick]

Hello, hope everyone is ok? I went to my LFS to buy 1 Red Tail Black Shark for my 120 litre community tank, but they told me to get 3 Silver Sharks as they are more friendly. After buying them, I came home and did some research and found out they grow to a foot long. I am thinking of taking them back and getting 1 Red Tail. would you advise this?

YES.

Also, I have noticed that as soon as I turn my aquarium light off, all of my fish swim at the top of the tank with their mouth out of the water. As soon as I turn the light on, they swim like normal. Is this normal?

No. As some one else suggested, have you plenty of bubbles? Water movement? Fish gasping at the surface usually means you don't have enough oxygen in the water. You can either acheive this through an airstone or raising the filter so the out flow hits the surface of the water.

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

Red Tailed Black Sharks grow to that size as well

No. Only 5 or inches.


Sometimes you can also adjust the filter to increase the flow of water through it. But, if it's on max, then go with what everyone else is saying.

 

[scottrreiter]

Hello, hope everyone is ok? I went to my LFS to buy 1 Red Tail Black Shark for my 120 litre community tank, but they told me to get 3 Silver Sharks as they are more friendly. After buying them, I came home and did some research and found out they grow to a foot long. I am thinking of taking them back and getting 1 Red Tail. would you advise this?

YES.

Also, I have noticed that as soon as I turn my aquarium light off, all of my fish swim at the top of the tank with their mouth out of the water. As soon as I turn the light on, they swim like normal. Is this normal?

No. As some one else suggested, have you plenty of bubbles? Water movement? Fish gasping at the surface usually means you don't have enough oxygen in the water. You can either acheive this through an airstone or raising the filter so the out flow hits the surface of the water.

I too agree with everyone the red tailed shar is a fine tank mate. I have a shark that is about 4 inches now and he has never touched my tetras. You may need to get 2 or three air stone to se if that helps the tank. also check the amonia and nitrite levels of the water. Fish will swim to the top and gulp air whent the amonia get in the tank.