fish behavior

Question
I have a newly set up 29 gallon tank. I set it up a week ago and got a bala shark for the tank yesterday. His behavior is very strang right now. He is set vertically right next to the heater with his head facing down. I have the basic knowledge of how to set up aquariums and know about all the possible cycles and tested basically everything I know to test in the water from ph, to ammonia, nitrate, hardness, etc. and they all came back normal or zero. I did a 12 gallon water change and this caused it to stop for a while back went back to the same thing later. The fish doesn't look that unhealty besides this strange behavior. I obivously wont add more fish to the tank until this is sorted out.

Answer
Hi Matt;

He's just scared and may even be in shock from getting a new home. It's probably the first time he's ever been alone too. Bala Sharks are schooling fish so they do better in groups of three or more, but your tank is actually too small for even one bala. It would be better to take him back and choose a different type of fish. Bala Sharks grow to over a foot long and are very hyper. Your tank will be too small for him very soon and he could injure himself when he gets nervous. Your tank is more suited to smaller fish such as swordtails, tetras, platies, gouramis, cory cats, etc.

Here is a link to my own article about new tanks and how to get your fish through the break-in;

http://www.xanga.com/Expert_Fish_Help

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins