Question: Can Neon Tetras live in a community with a few Bala/Silver Sharks & Tiger Barbs?

[peacemaker92]

Hi,

This is my first forum post i think, so I'm new! I just bought a new aquarium, 21 inches long and 12 inches wide. A few days after the purchase, I bought some fish which were 5 Bala/Silver Sharks and 4 Tiger Barbs. They seem to be mixing well 2 weeks after I bought them. Now, I'm thinking to buy a few Neon Tetras to make the aquarium look nicer. Will the Neon Tetras live well with my sharks and barbs?

[Fish Addict]

I notice that you do not know about cycling. I think that you first need to read about that, since you have over 6 feet of fish. Do you know how many gallons or liters this is, since balas need at least 55 gallons, or how tall it is?
Please read this http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm to help you with cycling... If you do not properly cycle this tank, you will very soon notice lots of dead fish...

And the so answer to your question before is that if you have a big enough tank, which it doesn't sound like, and you are finished cycling, which it doesn't sound like, then you could put in some neons. Just remember that there should be 1 inch of fish per gallon, plus extra for the biggies like balas...

[capekate]

Hello and welcome to fishlore Peacemaker!
I would follow the advise given above. But I would add, in my opinion I do not believe that the neons should be in with the bala sharks. I think that as the bala's get older they may make lunch out of the tiny neons.

[Shawnie]

welcome to fishlore! and I agree with everyone..bala's are way too big especially 5 and they will have a neon for snacks ...maybe return the bala's and get neons & danios?

[Neville]

Welcome Peacemaker
Bala Sharks grow up to 1', they need a huge tank!

[peacemaker92]

Hey!
Thanks guys! I learned a lot!