dpatterson

Help! One of my Bala Sharks has a red spot in his dorsal fin. It looks like blood to me. Also it looks as if he has missing scales, or maybe a white film on some of his body. I have two other Bala Sharks, three angelfish, three silver/blue colored fish.(don't remember what they are called) and one pleco. I have a 55 gal tank. All other fish appear to be fine. My water quality is fine. Does anyone know what I should do Thanks dpatterson

By the way this is my first time using fish lore, so hope I'm doing this right.

harpua2002

Welcome!

How large are your fish? Unfortunately, bala sharks will outgrow a 55 gallon, and as they get larger, this will affect water quality. Have you tested for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate?

bolivianbaby

Welcome to Fishlore! Looks like Harpua has ya covered

dpatterson

Just got my sharks about a month ago. They are only about three inches right now. Also water is good, took a sample to pet store for testing. I noticed that my sick shark was kinda floating with its head towards the bottom of the tank, while another shark was nibbling at its side. I've never seen them do anything like that. By the way, thanks for quick response

harpua2002

Many stores test with strips, which are much less accurate than liquid kits. A liquid kit is a great investment, and convenient for monitoring water quality whenever you want. What is your maintenance schedule like?

dpatterson

I take 10 gals out, with a light cleaning for three weeks. the fourth week I take one third of water out, and do a more deep cleaning. I use stress coat, aquarium salt and plant food.

aquarist48

Hello. I've moved your thread to the Bala/Silver Shark section of the forum to help you to get more responses.
Thanks!
Ken

Shawnie

welcome to fishlore!!
sounds like maybe a mini cycle? I agree to getting your own test kit..then you never have to rely on someone to tell you your water parimeters ...API liquid master test kit will give you all you need and do 100s of tests for you..id also stop using all salt as bala's and angels as well as your pleco do not like it..its more of an irritant to them...do a few extra water changes with some stress coat to get the salt out....good luck!