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Metalhead11592 · Jul 5, 2010, 05:00 PM

I'll be posting pictures of my set up and some information about the conditions of the tank. I was told by the shopkeeper that he was going to install my tank and set up the habitat. He used bottled water he said it was reverse osmosis water therefore it was pure free of other elements. I'm not sure about the water but when I tested it it was clean. I've got the shark in a 29 gallon tank as well as a group of other fish the name escapes me at the moment but I'll be sure to post it when I get it confirmed so that I can get the best of help here. What temperature is needed for the shark and what about the PH levels and other environmental needs, Also please excuse my terrible spelling.

cdad · Jul 5, 2010, 05:08 PM

Here is some info for you. I used to own a bala shark and they are really nice fish. It got along well with the other fish.

Ref:

The Bala or Tri-Colored Shark, Balantiocheilos melanopterus

Metalhead11592 · Jul 5, 2010, 05:17 PM

Thanks a lot! The shop own is going to get his ear yelled off because he said my tank was big enough for the fish and my other marine life. However I saw on one website that it has a minimum of 70 gallon tank needed and it can grow up to 1ft 4 inchs

cdad · Jul 5, 2010, 05:30 PM

Originally Posted by Metalhead11592

thanks a lot! the shop own is going to get his ear yelled off because he said my tank was big enough for the fish and my other marine life. However i saw on one website that it has a minimum of 70 gallon tank needed and it can grow up to 1ft 4 inchs

Mostly it depends on how big you want it to get etc. In truth depending on the size your looking at whatever tank you have as being decent in size. I had a 55 gallon and it did fine in it for many years. Unless you want it to grow that big you don't really have to have a 70 gallon tank. The main thing is you want to give that fish a patrol area. One that is clear of restrictions. And you will find it is an active swimmer and a joy to watch.

Metalhead11592 · Jul 5, 2010, 08:15 PM

Yeah mines not nearly that big its basically like 22 gallon or 29 gallon tank.

cdad · Jul 6, 2010, 02:58 AM

Originally Posted by Metalhead11592

yeah mines not nearly that big its basically like 22 gallon or 29 gallon tank.

That's more then fine.

dandemeyere · Jul 7, 2010, 07:02 PM

Not to rain on anyone's parade, but a 14" inch fish (which is what the Tri-color shark will grow to) needs more room than a 29-gallon tank can offer. The standard 29-gallon has the following dimensions: 30" wide x 12" deep x 18" tall. This means that when the fish reaches its full size, it will be half the size of the tank and will have very little room to swim let alone turn around. I would ask around to see if there are any other owners of the Tri-color that have them full grown and healthy and ask what their set-ups are and how they maintain them.

Metalhead11592 · Jul 22, 2010, 08:26 AM

One thing I've recently noticed with my fish is that I've gotten reaaaaally close to the tank to see them close up.. I've noticed a bit of Red around the golden barbs' eyes. Not sure what that means but the bala shark is fine health wise and I was told he was the most sensitive to changes in the water wheather it be bad or good.

Lucky098 · Jul 22, 2010, 09:06 AM

I can't believe you were sold ONE bala shark.

Sharks... this is for ALL freshwater sharks, require salt. They are considered brackish fish. In the wild, these fish will migrate to the ocean once they are adults.

Add salt. Add the required amount plus a cup of salt to sit at the bottom. Refil that cup once it gets close to empty

Fish will outgrow their tanks. Its pure myth that fish will grow to their tank size. All that happens is the fish dies at a very young age. Fish live for years. Bala sharks, and other freshwater sharks, get huge. The tank you have now is fine, but you plan on keeping them, you're going to have to upgrade to a bigger tank. You are also going to have to get more. Bala sharks, tri color sharks... they are schooling fish. They do better in groups.

Please research your fish before you buy them.

Aquarium Fish: Tropical Freshwater Fish and Saltwater Fish for Home Aquariums

And quite honestly, the person you're going to for help sounds like a moron.. he sold you feeders to cycle the tank then 1 bala shark... ugh..

I wish you luck

Metalhead11592 · Jul 22, 2010, 09:33 AM

I really do need luck and help with this tank and I'm glad your providing it. He actually told me that a 10 gallon tank set-up was fine and that I just needed freshwater not saltwater I don't even know if my other fish can take the salt

cdad · Jul 22, 2010, 10:06 AM

Originally Posted by Metalhead11592

i really do need luck and help with this tank and i'm glad your providing it. He actually told me that a 10 gallon tank set-up was fine and that i just needed freshwater not saltwater i dont even know if my other fish can take the salt

The bottom line is. A aquarium is a personal choice. And you set it up how you want following certain guidelines and commitments that your willing to make to keep the fish. I had for years had a single bala shark and I also had giant danio's for it to run with. The bala was fine and added its own character to the tank. Your main concern should be on health of the fish and from the sounds of it a community tank. So make it a happy one and you will be just fine.

Lucky098 · Jul 24, 2010, 03:50 AM

It is a personal choice, but as a "fish expert" the dude who is helping out the op should at least be giving correct information and not selling feeders to cycle the tank, sell one bala shark and a bunch of barbs for a 30gal tank. The barbs will pick on the bala.. the bala is going to feel insecure being by itself and stress out.. and the feeders, which are dirty goldfish, are just going to bring in disease and pollute the water with high levels of ammonia... three big no nos right in a row...