Kenton

Hello,

I have a 125 gallon tank and I was thinking of adding three bala sharks. I have never owned bala's before and wanted to get some advice before I add them. The following are the fish I have in my tank right now. (4) Roseline sharks, (2) Dwarf Gourami, (3) Cory Cats, (1) Rubber Nose Pleco, (6) Lemon Tetra, and (6) Von Rio Flame Tetra. They all are healthy and get along great.
Please let me know what you think of adding the 3 Bala's -Thank You.

susitna-flower

I am GREEN with envy!! You have those lovely Roseline sharks (barbs), that I want. Aren't you suppose to keep about 6 or more of those?

It looks to me like you have enough room, inch wise, to put 3 balas. They will get along with the fish you have, but it really wouldn't give any wiggle room for including any more cleaning crew. One lonly pleco won't be enough if your nitrates get up there and you have an algae problem.

Sounds like you have a good knowledge of fish keeping, you must have more than just this one tank. I would love to see pictures of your tank, especially your Roselines. How long are they now? Do they school? This is the reason I would love to see you get at least two more of these, maybe instead of the balas.

Kenton

Hello,

Thank you for answering my post. The Roseline sharks are about three inches long and do school most of the time, But sometime break off into pairs. I'm not sure if it's necessary to have 6 of them in order for them to do well , I'll have to check on that.

The reason I was inquiring about the Bala's were mostly questions of compatibility and tank space, which you have answered (Thanks). As far as a cleaning crew I do have several dozon Nerite snails along with the Pleco and the Roseline's are supposed to eat hair algae. Do you think this will be sufficient enough to keep the algae under control? This is my first large tank and I have only had it for about 2 months now. I do have two other small tanks, A 10 and 12 gallon which have Platies , Mollies in them.

I will try to barrow a digital camera and post some pictures for you, My camera is old and it would'nt be worth taking any pictures with it. Thank you again for your reply and check out this website where I bought the Roseline sharks from. They do a real good job with shipping live fish.
www.azgardens.com

susitna-flower

Google puntius denisonii barb, you will find lots about the lovely fish you have. Some sites say 4 is fine, others say 6 or more....They reach 6" and need cooler water than most tropicals, and fast flowing water, high oxygenation. So you will want a good powerhead.

IF my finances improve in the next few months, I hope to add some to my 125 gallon tank. I currently have 2 balas, one 8" the other 10".

Your tank is not overstocked now, I just was cautioning you from getting fish that will eventually reach 13" as you will love them, and be FULLY stocked, with no room for another pleco. When you reach the stage where you are pushing the overcrowded point, your algae will become a problem, that is all I was pointing out.


You may just have to add a 180 gallon tank, then you could have your Roselines in one, and the balas in the other!!!