IcicleButterfly

Hello!

I'm looking for advice.
I try to clean out my tank on a weekly basis to keep everything under control in there. Normally the fish would get a little stressed out but nothing major.

Lately the Bala sharks are getting really upset. They are splashing around, jumping out of the water etc. I try to move slowly and quietly. I have the lights and the filters off when I clean.

I'm writing because it's getting worse. Sunday one of them actually cleared 5inches to jump out of the tank and hit the carpet. This is the first time it's every happened and it made me really upset.

Does anyone have advice on how I should proceed?

Thank you! I really appreciate it!

COBettaCouple

Welcome to FishLore.

What are you using to clean the tank? You may need to move the Balas into a large container (like a big rubbermaid tub) that you can cover while you clean the big tank.

IcicleButterfly

But what would I do about water in that tupperware container? I don't remove enough water from their tank when I do water changes to put in a container for them.

and I'm not sure how you would move fish that size? They are probably about 4-5" now each.

Thanks!

COBettaCouple

I'd recommend a 25-40% partial water change with the weekly cleaning. That's what we do with our tanks to keep them clean.

Moving the fish isn't the best option for sure, we leave ours in the tanks, but our biggest fish are in the cichlid tank. Do you use a python system for cleaning? How are you cleaning the tank? Perhaps there's a way to change that to reduce the stress that the Balas feel.

IcicleButterfly

That's what I was thinking.. something I'm doing....?

I vacuum the gravel and then I reach in and wipe down the insides of the glass. If I got a larger vacuum would it be quieter? or perhaps ones of the glass scrubs with the handles so I dont have to put my arms in the water?

Thanks!!

COBettaCouple

I think however they can be less disturbed will help, so I think quieter and less of 'you' in the tank would make a difference. I'm not sure what to recommend though, since I do our tanks with a turkey baster but I'm thinking of buying: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...tt=vacuum&Np=1