Issue With Our New Fish Tank

[KevJ87]

I only learned about fishless from this forum recently, I said I was worried about trying it not that I chose to do a fish-in because I was scared I did a fish-in because it was all I had known at the time, started this cycle about 2 1/2 weeks ago maybe 3?. Pet shops, fish stores etc, I have never seen or heard anyone do a fishless cycle which seems odd to me if its the most obvious thing to do if its more healthy.
 
I am not sure what information your getting on the Bala sharks, but according to Fresh Success, New England Aquariums fish staff they suggest a 110  gallon and only schooling bala's in the younger years of age? A full grown bala should not have another in its territory? Now I am confused because the 165 custom is being built for the Bala specifically and was designed exactly for it dimension wise on the advice of the professionals who handle the aquariums of New England?
 
I am reading around and Cali insitituite says that a bala should be placed alone as adults or in a pair to 3 during fry periodsand a 70 gallon min.
 
I am still researching to try and find where your findings are coming from because I don't want to place the bala in a home not right for him but everything so far points to this custom long 165 gallon being more than enough?

 

[sawickib]

I have never heard of the adults being territorial with one another, so not sure where the 'experts' got that from, these fish are extremely docile fish and very skiddish when not in small groups of 3+.
 
The reason you need a suitably large aquarium is because they need a LOT of free swimming area and they easily are spooked, there have been a few stories of bala sharks darting into the glass and snapping their necks and dying. They inhabit all areas of the tank and there should be NO sharp edges. They are excellent jumpers so keep that in mind as well.
 
The smallest tank i would recommend getting is a 300 gallon tank, decor on the softer side, driftwood and plants, substrate not that important for these guys. But however i am seeing many websites recommending a 125 gallon tank minimum, i wouldnt but seeing many saying otherwise i guess thats a decision for you to make. What are the dimensions of the new tank?
 
The reason cycling the proper way isnt know by large chain pet stores or even some smaller pet stores is because they want you to buy fish NOW and that helps them make money, they do not care if they die because that means you will come back to buy more, doing it this way leaves you unable to harm any living being, whats a better way than that?
 
As you can see, the chains are seriously mis-informed, not saying you are but you should never trust the chains.
http/www.petco.com/product/101067/Bala-Shark.aspx
http/www.petsmart.com/live-pet/live-fish/bala-shark-zid36-15223/cat-36-catid-700002

 

[KevJ87]

Thank you for the information, I think I am going to fishless cycle the new custom tank it will be finished this week. Will be my first time but at least if an error is made it isn't tragic.
 
I am really concerned now because I put so much into having this tank designed seeing as the Bala is my fiances favorite fish, I researched and got in touch with the people that handle the aquariums fresh exhibit. But now hearing you saying 300 gallons is the min I am really freaked out. I don't know what is out there as far as mis information and what is truly correct.
 
I really hope I didn't plan this entire project for nothing... 
 
The tank was custom designed for the wall of my man cave, I don't have the papers with me but it was modeled after the 150 and 180 standard sizes except thinned out a bit more for larger roaming room since balas have a large swimming range.
 
I believe it is 6 feet 6 inches exactly, I will post some screens shots of the new tank once its finished.
 
 
It is designed to be a wall extension, all the mechanical parts (filter, pumps, heater system etc ) will be in a large cabinet built overhead.
 
The tank is also oval, the guy who helped me design it said he finds the shape works better for balas as they tend to make laps nicely with the shape encouraging it, rather than having tendencies to slam into the squared wall.

 

[sawickib]

I mean if you already have it all ordered and everything, then i would try with the bala sharks. Since its around them go for a school of 6 first and see how it goes. Having it curved on the ends makes it a lot better for them, you could maybe have the bala sharks and even go for some bichirs for the bottom region and maybe some other fish for the top regions.
 
If the tank isnt ordered yet then i would try to go for the same tank design but with about a 8ft footprint on it. 
 
If you like bichirs ill give you info and everything on whats suitable for your tank! I wasnt trying to be the barer of bad news sorry just from what i understand bala sharks really prefer much more room.

You dont want any aggressive or other fast moving fish in the tank with balas to avoid spooking them and i wouldnt put any flashy lights in your man cave either haha