BalaSharks

Question
What types of decorations would go well in a 75 gallon tank for balasharks and angelfishs?

Answer
Hi Matt,

It all depends on what you like. Angelfish and bala sharks both prefer softer water so they won't appreciate things that make the pH rise, such as seashells and rocks like Texas holey rock (a kind of limestone) but apart from that, almost anything will do, just pick something that catches your eye.

If it were my tank, I would use lots of tall plastic aquatic plants along the sides and all along the back, and leave open swimming space in the middle. I would use things like Mopani driftwood and big rocks from a landscaping place placed along the left and right sides of the tank, and maybe things like slate or large cobbles here and there. I would probably use dark colored stones to bring out the silver coloration of the balas and emphasize their dark outlines, and keep a lot of light from being reflected back to the top of the tank. Dark decorations make for a darker tank, which fish generally like better. Regular natural colored gravel will do, sometimes black gravel can make a tank TOO dark, I personally prefer using sand, but it's not for everyone since some people find it shows dirt too well.

Bala sharks are Asian fish and angelfish are Amazonian fish, so it's not really possible to make a biotope with these two fish - but you can decide to go one way or the other. Both of these are popular styles, here are some links to pictures I thought were neat:

For an Amazonian type tank:
http://www.lostmymarblz.com/amazonaquarium.htm
http://www.photos4share.com/albums/userpics/10001/Amazon_Tank.jpg
I love that tank on the second link...I'm jealous!

For an Asian style tank:
http://www.aquahobby.com/tanks/e_tank0703.php
http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/show_article.php?article_id=147
I thought the bamboo idea on this last site was neat!

Of course, you don't have to take my advice - lots of people prefer tanks that don't look natural, like the sunken ship motif and what not. Some people like to take clay pots and urns (such as strawberry pots with all the holes), stick an airstone in and make their own ornament this way. Some people like to take garden statues (of Buddha particularly) and put those in the tank. While not "natural", these tanks can look pretty cool as well! I have to say that neon pink plants and green gravel is definitely out for me, though.

I hope that helps. For more decorating ideas, check out this site:
http://www.ratemyfishtank.net
Some of those tanks are gorgeous!

I would recommend you install a powerhead at one corner of the tank to give the bala sharks some extra flow. The angelfish don't need the extra current really, but the balas will appreciate it. You might find they often swim up against the powerhead, my Columbian and diamond tetras do...these fish love a current!

Take care,
Nicole