spongefest

I started a new tank 1 month ago and bought an IR shark. The shark sits in the corner on the bottom of the tank,once I thought he was dead I went to take him out and he went NUTS almost jumping out of the tank! He just sits there his gills are moving but thats it. I dont see him eat but he is healthy looking. Is he depressed, suicidal or what? Please help me help him. =(
55 gal tank; Feeding tropical flakes and frog pellets (which the fish seem to love)
Tank mates are:1 bala, 1 placo, 3 scissors, 2 redeye tetra, 1 crab, 1 frog, 2 snails, 2 algae eaters.

bolivianbaby

Welcome to Fishlore, Spongefest

I'm not that familiar with IR sharks, but to my knowledge, they require VERY LARGE tanks, like over 100 gallons.

Also, do you know your pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels?

spongefest

Ummm...I dont test He is about 2 inches long

Lucy

Hi Welcome to FishLore
I'm sorry your shark isn't feeling well. When we go looking for fish for our tanks, we have to look at their adult size. Even though he's small now, he's gonna grow. Same as the bala, he's going to need more room also. With such potentially large and territorial species, it's important for them to have proper size tanks.

What's your water change routine?
It would be a really good idea to get your water tested, or better yet, pick up a test kit. Avoid the strips and get a good liquid test kit such as the API Master Kit.

My guess is he's feeling the effects of the nitrogen cycle.
Here's a link that explains it:
Nitrogen Cycle

Best of luck

Shawnie

welcome to fishlore!!!!!!!!

You have kept fish for 5-10 years and never tested? or just not tested this tank? dont know about the nitrogen cycle? something smells fishy LOL

heres a link to read to let you know what needs to be done http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm
the tank needs daily water changes with some prime or amquel+ until the cycle completes....

while your sharks are still young, you should see if you can return them as they will be way too large for a 55g tank...and it will help with less bioload to help cycle the tank

bolivianbaby

I would strongly recommend you buy an API Freshwater test kit. It's important to know what levels of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate are in the tank. PH is also something to be aware of, not the number as much as making sure it stays stable. PH fluctuation can be very stressful on fish.

Whenever unusual behavior occurs with fish and there are no other symptoms, the first thing to be checked is the water parameters.

I don't have experience with IR sharks, but another member should be along shortly that can help you out. It may be normal IR behavior, but I wouldn't know that.

I hope this helps

spongefest

I used to have tanks, gave them up after moving from chicago to bismarck and back to chicago. 1st tank back in, will be investing in a test kit TODAY will let you know the results. Thanks for the warm reception all =)

sirdarksol

Welcome to Fishlore! Not much to add, just confirming others' suspicions that Iridescent Sharks grow huge.

These things beat out pacu and some arowana by growing four feet long and weighing a whopping 45kg. They just don't belong in the pet industry at all. They're sold as cute little two-inchers, like what you've got, and stores don't bother telling their customers that they're going to need a multiple-thousand-gallon heated pond to keep these things in the long run.

Tony G.

Welcome to FIshore
everyone´s got ya covered
here is a thread that has pictures of what these sharks grow to:
a little info on the tank busting sharks...