Help! I got 3 Bala Sharks today...in my 5 gallon tank. I didn't know how big these fishies get. They're less than 2" long right now. Should I return them to Wal-Mart? I've already put them in my tank, will switching the environments so much kill them? If I decide to keep them, how long before I need to upgrade to a larger tank? Will a 30 gallon tank last for at least 3 years? I probably can't afford any bigger for now. I've already grown fond of them, they're fun to watch because they dart around and do things, rather than other boring fish I've seen.
2007-05-07 16:44:32 · 5 answers · asked by strike 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
Your best best is to return them. In the wild they can hit about 24" and tank raised easily hit 16" for males. They do grow fairly quickly for fish of that size, so even a 30 gallon isn't gong to last very long and certainly not 3 years.
They are fun fish to watch, but not a fish for a 5 gallon tank. Try some zebra danios, they are fairly active and share many of the same behaviors as the balas. For a 30 gallon some giant danios or Rainbow fish would fit the bill.
MM
2007-05-07 17:32:29 · answer #1 · answered by magicman116 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I hope you know that Bala sharks can grow up to a foot long. You need to get them out of the 5 gallon immediately! That is way to small. Bala sharks need room to swim and they are quick. They also like to jump so make sure you have a secure hood. The 30 gallon tank will definitely not hold them for 3 years, no way. They will become stressed and could possibly die. For 3 full grown Balas, even a 55 gallon is too small. If you can't afford to get a larger tank than you should definitely find them a new home. Try looking online or around flea markets for larger tanks, they are way cheaper than they are in the stores.
2007-05-07 23:53:44 · answer #2 · answered by l2amsl2ule 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they will get to be big enough to outgrow a 60 gallon tank. The recomended tank size for a bala shark is at least 100+ gallons. Return it, do your research first.
2007-05-07 23:54:01 · answer #3 · answered by Flames Fan 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Bala Sharks growup fast and you will eventually need a 100g tank for your 3 foot long fish. If your unable to house them properly see if you can take them back. Its funnythat these things are just a great big minnow.
2007-05-08 00:15:52 · answer #4 · answered by Palor 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A 5 gallon tank will kill them faster than the stress of returning to the store.
If you want to keep them, get the bigger tank.
If not, return them.
2007-05-07 23:52:54 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋