Bala Shark Average Growth Rate?

First of all... Hello,

I've poked around for a while on this and other sites but this one doesn't seem have the jerk attitude that some other sites do haha.
Anyway I know you're all going to look at my profile so let me elaborate on some things lol.

I know the 30 gal is overstocked with tons of small fish. It wasn't planned, but my friend moved away and I had to take some of his fish for him, 3 of which being the Balas. I bought a smaller 10 gal last week to help with the crowd control once it cycles.

The reason I'm asking about the Balas growth is because they are small guys right now, but I know they get big. I'm not in a position to get a larger tank right at the moment as, they weren't mine in the first place. How long would you think they would be OK in there, or till they get to what size?

Any insight would be appreciated!

Thanks

 

HI there, welcome to Fishlore.
Since you've already figured the overstocked situation i'd leave that for you to ponder on.
As far as the balas are concerned they are slow growers however they get to almost 13 inches given proper space and good maintenance.
No matter how small the balas are, they are very active and love to dash around, which is why they need lengthy aquariums and won't be happy in small aquariums. Furthermore they are schooling fish so a minimum of 5~6 are recommended to observe their natural schooling behavior.

My recommendation, get a bigger tank if you can or re-home them asap. Your call.

 

Welcome to Fishlore! I'm glad you felt like you could safely ask questions here ;D

Are you just watching his Balas for a while or are they yours permanently? If you're stuck with them... I'd find them a new home as soon as possible. It is easier to take them back to a fish store while they are small.

There are many factors that affect growth rate, I don't think anybody can give you a definite answer on that. The sooner they are out, the better.

Alternatively, petco is having its $1 a gallon sale right now. You could go get a 55 gallon tank for $55 lol

Here is the profile for bala sharks https://www.fishlore.com/Profiles-BalaShark.htm They need big tanks!

 

thanks for the info thus far. Any recommendations on how to divide up the masses. The Balas are my responsibility now, and they came from a 20 gal so its a small improvement =/

As far as the petco sale lol, is it like their store brand?

 

Fish tanks don't have a "store brand" lol I'm pretty sure they are made by aqueon.

The profile for bala sharks is recommending a 180 gallon tank to keep them properly cared for.

As for the 10 gallon, you could probably put the Neon Tetras in there.

 

So like the TOP FIN stuff at petsmart for example is their name brand right? That's what I meant, granted someone makes them and I'm sure they just rename?

I know this profile says 180 and I'm not doubting that, I'm just wondering if it might work with a smaller tank? Some other people/profiles say as small as 55, which I could see as being a low number. or 75 .. I'm only 24 and def not making a whole lot of money at this point in my life haha

 

The problem with the smaller tanks is that they aren't wide enough for the bala's to turn around when they are fully grown. A 55 is 12" wide. Now, if a bala shark is 13", there is an issue lol.

Do you have to keep them? Life will be easier if you don't have to. If you are going to keep them, I would at least get the largest tank you can get. Also, the $1 per gallon sale doesn't include the stand, hood, filter or heater.

Keeping fish can be rather expensive. I'm 24 as well and I've invested far too much money in to this "Hobby"

 

Well you mention taking them to a LFS?
I've not had to do that before,
Do I just walk in and go... um here have some fish ...haha?

Also I was curious about the Roseline Barbs/Sharks how are they in the 30?

 

Well you mention taking them to a LFS?
I've not had to do that before,
Do I just walk in and go... um here have some fish ...haha?

Also I was curious about the Roseline Barbs/Sharks how are they in the 30?

Welcome!
Call the fishstores in your area and ask if they will take in unwanted fish. Chainstores in general will not.

 

I've never personally kept the roselines, but from what I have read, they need a 55 gallon. perhaps another member can expand on their care.

 

roselines are very active fish I believe min tank size should be 75g. they like groups of at least 3, 6 would be better, I'm considering getting some for a 180g. deff get rid of the sharks. call the little local fish stores not the chain stores as someone said they only sell fish. that petco sale is a good deal but considering the roselines like groups a 75 gallon is min, so I would return them.

edit.. here is a 75 gallon from petsmart for 220$ I'm sure you can find one cheaper on craigslist.



link on roselines

http://www.future-digital.com/aquarium_info/info_freshwater_tropical_fish/puntius_denisonii_7.html

 

Roselines certainly do need bigger/longer tanks. 30 gallons wouldn't be able to support Roselines. They need at least a minimum of a 4ft tank space, I would say the minimum is 55 gallon. They prefer tanks with strong currents, planted, and highly oxygenated.

They prefer to be in groups no less than 5. They can grow to at least 6 inches and definitely looking stunning in larger groups. I was planning on having them in my 100 gallon tank and was waiting for the sale but decided to get a different fish.