Bala Shark

[Michelle4474]

I have a 75 gal tank and I seem to really like the Bala Sharks, but I have read that 75 gal is the minimum tank size. But what I do not understand is if that is just for ONE bala shark or for a school of 3 bala sharks. I understand that when you do buy a Bala Shark you should buy in a group of three. Please advise. Advice on another kinda of fish would be apprenciated too.

Thanks
Michelle

 

[OohFeeshy]

IMO, balas should have a minimum group of 6, and minimum tank size 6x2x2.

 

[andywg]

I agree with feesh, you really need a larger group, and a large tank. They are very active and skittish, once fully grown I would consider a tank bigger than 6x2x2 (hope to get mine to something like an 8x3x2).

 

[Subsane]

I agree with feesh, you really need a larger group, and a large tank. They are very active and skittish, once fully grown I would consider a tank bigger than 6x2x2 (hope to get mine to something like an 8x3x2).

I have 5 balas in my 75 gallon tank. They are only about 4" but I'm upgrading to 180gallon within the next few months to accomodate their growth. Can't wait to see them fully grown. Beautiful fish but as Andy already said, very skittish (and fast).

Anyone know how fast they grow? How many years to average 8+ inches?

 

[andywg]

In 2 years, my first bought has gone from 2 to around 7" I expect him to slow down a little now, and will be surprised if I see 10" within the next 18 months. Most fish tend to grow fairly rapidly to half their full size and then slow down.