I need help with my Bala Shark

Question
QUESTION: Hi Nathan,

I bought a bala shark a while back in around sept I would and and I didnt know that they grow to be around 16 inches big until tonight! The store didnt bother to tell me that so I have had this fish in a 10 gallon tank the whole time and it seems happy and it very shiny and healthy looking. It is I'd say 4 inches long maybe 5. I was looking up getting a bigger tank for my bala shark and maybe some other fish and I was wondering if a 29 gallon tank is suitable for my bala shark as well as other fish? A 29 gallon is about as big as I can go right now because that's all I can afford but I was just wondering. And also, What other types of fish can I out in with my bala shark? Thank you very much for your time. =]

Brittany

ANSWER: Hi Brittany,

Bala Sharks do best in an aquarium of 50 gallons or more. However, their growth slows down a bit once they reach the 5" size, and it should take at least another 2-3 years before it gets even close to it's adult size. You can keep it in the 29 gallon, but hopefully, in the future, you will be able to get a larger tank. Make sure you have good filtration if you want to keep it in the 29 gallon! (a filter output of 200+ gallons per hour is ideal)

Bala sharks are very peaceful, and will not bother other fish. Any other peaceful community fish would work well with them, except for the very tiny ones, like Neon Tetras and Endler's Livebearers. When Bala Sharks get bigger, they may consume those tiny fish mentioned above. Good choices would be Bristlenose Plecostomus (but not Common), Livebearers (Guppies, platy, Swordtail, Molly), 'Bigger' Tetras, like Serpae Tetras, or the magnificent Black Phantom. More choices would include Gouramis, Corydoras catfish, Tiger (and other) Barbs, and smaller Loaches (not Clown).

If you have another question, feel free to ask!

Good Luck, and Happy Fishkeeping!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Nathan,

I have one more question I forgot to ask. I read that bala sharks are shoaling fish or rather they ilke to be in schools. Do you recomend for me to get another bala shark or just keep the one? I plan on getting a larger tank in the future by the way. I just can't afford a bigger one right now. I have a 55 gallon but I am using it for my mice and I read that it is toxic to use for fish after its used for mice because of the mouse urine. But anyways, should I get another one? Would it be happy with just one more bala shark or does there need to be a group. He seems happy by himself right now but I want him to be able to live in his fullest potential. Thanks! =D

ANSWER: Hi Brittany,

I would just keep the one Bala Shark, and not get another, because the bio-load may be too much for the filter (and beneficial bacteria). Not keeping fish in a school is better than overpopulating your tank just for schooling purposes. However, if you will be getting a larger tank, within 3 years or so, yes, you could get one more shark.

It would be a great idea if you could turn your mouse habitat into a fish tank - then you could keep Bala sharks in optimal conditions.
If you are interested in doing so, you will need to clean out the tank using a mild acid, like vinegar. Then, soak the entire thing for 3-5 times, rinsing it out each time and refilling it, to remove any traces of vinegar. That will take care of the mouse urine. Mice really don't need a fish tank to live in - a lot of space is wasted because they don't need the height of the fish tank.

If you have any more questions, feel free to ask me!

Good Luck, and Happy Fishkeeping!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: One more question, haha. Im full of questions. I just keep thinking of them, sorry. I saw these really cool angelfish at my local pet store. Are they compatible with my bala? I would really like to get one.

Answer
Hi Brittany,

Feel free to ask me more - I'm here to help! There's no such thing as asking too many questions, because each question will benefit your fish.

Yes, the Angelfish is compatible with a Bala Shark. They are both great fish, and Angelfish are extremely attractive! Angelfish can be kept by themselves, but it is preferable to keep them in groups of 4 or more. Remember, add fish slowly, only 1-3 each week, to allow the beneficial bacteria to catch up to the new fish load!

Good Luck, and Happy Fishkeeping!