There are freshwater fish from Southeast Asia.They are named this way because of the resemblance of their bodies and fins to sharks.They are generally gentle fish with an active social habit.Taking good care of bala sharks involves selecting the right tank, ensuring the best water chemistry, finding agreeable neighbors, and making sure to clean the tank and change the water regularly.The popular and attractive fish can provide years of enjoyment if you give them the attention they need.
Step 1: Decide on the tank's size.
The bala sharks can grow to 12 inches in captivity, so they will need a large tank.They can do well in a tank with a minimum of 30 gallons and a length of 76.2 cm if you get them as a juvenile.As they grow, they will need a minimum of 150 gallons and a tank length of at least 72 inches.
Step 2: A quantity can be chosen.
The bala sharks are considered a group of fish.If you want your fish to stay in good health, you need to buy a group of between four and six fish.A lone bala shark is aggressive with other fish.The dominant one is known to bully the other.
Step 3: Give the tank a bit of a boost.
Being larger fish, bala sharks need a lot of tank space for swimming.There should be a few plants around the perimeter of the tank.The silvery color of the fishes will stand out better if the bed of rocks is darker in color.
Step 4: It's a good idea to set up a heating source.
Since these fish come from a tropical environment, and will be living in a large tank, they will need a good heater to keep the large amount of water at the right temperature.The temperature range is 72 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 5: The water's acidity and alkalinity can be monitored.
The tank should be filled with fresh water from the tap.The water hardness is 2 to 10 dGH and the range is 6.5 to 7.8.Ask the tank specialist at the pet store if there is a way to monitor these levels.If you live in an area that takes its water from wells in limestone bedrock, the tap water will be harder to get.The water from lakes will be softer.If you want to raise acidity and alkalinity, you can use calcium salts and peat in the tank.
Step 6: Ensure there is enough water movement.
The bala sharks are adapted to aquatic environments since they are river fish.A filter that is powerful enough to keep a moving current running and provide enough oxygen for the fish is a must.Oxygen, current, and water purity can be taken care of by a large canister filter.A powerhead can help increase the current.
Step 7: Pick appropriate tankmates.
The sharks are known to be peaceful.Stress can be caused by their fast swimming.They get along well with fish that are similar to them.Keep bala sharks with other sharks that are half their size.They like to see fish small enough to fit in their mouths as food.
Step 8: The lid needs to be tight.
When they are startled, bala sharks jump or move away from what scares them.They leap as high as six feet out of an open tank.It's important to outfit your tank with a tight lid.
Step 9: Acclimate them with care.
The bala sharks need to be acclimatized to their new tank water.The bag water should be removed and replaced with an equal amount from the tank.Put them in the tank and add one cup of water to the bag every ten minutes for an hour.Finally, net the fish from the bag and dispose of it.
Step 10: An adjustment period is expected.
You might notice that the fish are shy at first, and may not eat for a few days after you put them in the tank.The fright they experience during the trip from the store to the tank is what makes this behavior normal.Try to give them small amounts a few times a day until their appetite improves.
Step 11: They should be fed a broad diet.
Brine shrimp, chopped fruit, blanched spinach, shelled peas, sinking wafers, and live black worms are some of the foods the bala sharks like.Give them a mixture of live food and vegetable matter.They should be fed 2 to 3 times per day.Give them enough to eat in 3 minutes at each feeding.Give them what they can eat in 5 minutes if you only feed them once a day.
Step 12: The water needs to be changed frequently.
Water changes are needed to keep the bala sharks in good health.If the tank is densely populated, replace 25% of the water every other week.The bottom of the tank is a good place to clean when you replace the water.Use a scraper to clean the glass.