New Member

Posts: 2
From:chicago, IL, US
Registered: Jun 2003

posted 06-23-2003 07:05 PM         

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i am a 15 year old kid who just purchased 4 bala sharks, 3 are like they are dead and i'm not to familiar on how to raise them, it would be most appreciated if someone helped me out here =] thanks.
-Raymond

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Member

Posts: 52
From:Farmington Hills, MI, USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted 06-23-2003 07:47 PM         

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OMG! Didn't whom ever sold you those fish tell you that they were not beginner fish!?! Balas are very fussy about water conditions and should only be put in a tank that has been set up and acclimated for a long time. The fourth one will probably die soon, of loneliness if the water doesn't kill it first. Get some zebra danios for about six months first, if you want to raise and keep balas. And, make sure your tank is pleanty big. THey get to be 12" or so long.

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New Member

Posts: 2
From:chicago, IL, US
Registered: Jun 2003

posted 06-23-2003 08:12 PM         

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why would the water kill him just out of cariosity...

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Member

Posts: 21
From:grand rapids, MI
Registered: Jun 2003

posted 06-23-2003 10:48 PM         

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WHY WOULD THE WATER KILL THEM? BECAUSE< they just cant live in any water, they need special requirements like the right PH,Hardness ect....

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Member

Posts: 52
From:Farmington Hills, MI, USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted 06-23-2003 11:10 PM         

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Look, do yourself a favor and buy either 'Aquariums for Dummies" or "The Complete Freshwater Aquarium Guide" These books are written for beginners. I have read both, and they help you understand things like water quality, PH, hardness, etc.

As for balas, they need a PH of 6.5, very soft water, and no ammonia or nitrite. Also, they need a variety of foods. Flakes alone won't be enough for their metabolism. You'll need to feed them shrimp pellets, algea discs, frozen brine and pissibly plankton or krill. Good luck, but if you don't have the money, wait on these fish.

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Moderator

Posts: 806
From:
Registered: Jan 2003

posted 06-24-2003 03:37 AM         

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Hi uniqq,
It occurs to me that this is your first aquarium. Don't let them scare you out of raising tropical fish. What they are trying to tell you is that different fish have different requirements and that some are more hardy (stronger) than others. When you first set up an aquarium it goes through a bacterial/nitrogen cycle. Balas don't do well going through the cycle. There are other more hardy fish that can tolerate the cycle much better. Also you will be collecting fish from different parts of the world with different water conditions. Some fish are aggressive and some are not. I know by now it probably seems impossible to keep a tank. It's not if you follow basic guidelines. If you take the time to read up on how to maintain an aquarium and study the different requirements for different fish you will find it to be a very enjoyable and rewarding hobby. Just be patient.

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