xeleanorxrigbyx

Hello!

We currently have a 75 gallon freshwater tank, which is well established. The tank currently has:

6 neonrainbowfish (3 females, 3 males)
2 bala sharks
1 pleco

We were considering some pictus catfish, but we weren't sure if they would be compatible with the fish listed. The tank is in great condition, although the pH is 6.2, a little low. Some sites for the pictus state that the fish can handle from 5.8-6.8, while others say 6.5-7.5. Any verdict on the pH??

One more thing: how many pictus can fit happily and safely into the tank

Thank you!!! Sorry to ask so much at once, but I'm curious!

Thanks again!

AmongthePuffers

Pictus catfish would probably be fine to put in a tank, as they are for the most part a docile fish. Though they can grow up to 10in, so 1, 2 at the most should be ok.
Though I cant say how they will act once their full grown.

cerianthus

What is the pH of your Tap water?

Jonah

The Pictus will take you to 59" fish so not much for your 75Gal but 2 Bala Sharks at 13" each is an awful lot of fish for a 75 the recommendation is 55gal for 1 single Bala so based on that I am not sure it would be that good and idea with both sharks still in there regardless of the water softness

agabr123

i wouldn't add the pictus with your bala sharks and the pleco, as jonah said they get pretty large and can be aggressive, and the pictus need to be in groups otherwise they'll get extremely stressed and that would cause you to be pretty severely overstocked on the bottom.

what kind of pleco do you have?

platy ben

Bala sharks will get huge, i saw one at my LFS which was atleast 15" long, 2" thick and 4" deep, they are really massive fish.

Shawnie

bala's as others said will outgrow the tank..but they grow really slowly....you will have to rehome or upgrade eventually but for now, 2-3 pictus would be a fun addition to the tank...goodluck either way