bouyancy

Question

Hello,
We are sorry, but Trish S. wasn't able to answer your question:

I have 3 fish in a temporary 6.6 gallon tank. (i'm moving them to a 30 gallon in a couple weeks). I have two bala sharks and a neon rosy barb. I know bala sharks arent suppsed to be in a tank nearly this small but they are little and seem to be handling it well. The neon rosy barb, however, has developed a buoyancy issue especially after eating. He is contiually trying to swim downwards as he floats to the surface. He appears completely healthy otherwise though. All the levels in teh tank appear normal as well. The balas may have developed little fin rot, but I think I'm just being paranoyed. Thanks for your help

Answer
Matt,                                                        Your sharks are ok in this tank for transfer since they are still small. Make sure your heat is at 78 degrees and add some aquarium salt right now. 1 tblspn to your tank. It will help them relieve themselves of liquid wastes. If you just put them in there. Your tank is going through new tank syndrome and it may be high ammonia that is causing your balas fins to rot.If not I hope you have been siphoning your gravel when you clean your tank. Check your ammonia and nitrite levels in your tank fast. Your balas are very delicate when they are babies. If they are high and this is a new tank for them do 20% water change for them to dilute the high amounts. If this is what they have been in siphon immediately and new carbon. Good Luck,Tina