posted 10-17-2003 03:44 AM           

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Help please.... I recently bought my first tank, 10 gallons. Had it running for about a week and went to pick my first fish. I was told that the bala sharks would double their current inch and a half and would be fine in the tank and bought two. I soon learned that they grow much larger and have invested another $200 cdn in a 27 gallon tank. They balas are twitching and don't look very good at all. Almost like they have gone mad. I did all this for them and it looks like they're going to die anyway. Ideas or explanations would be really appreciated. Thank you.

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Posts: 277
From: Indy
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 10-17-2003 01:55 PM         

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Balas are jerky or restless fish by nature but the way you describe your problem it sounds like your tank is not cycled as well which could be causing amonia burn. If you don't have a test kit you need to buy one. Test the water parameters and if the tank is not cycled you need to do small daily water changes to dilute the amonia untill it has a chance to cycle and you get 0 amonia and 0 nitrites.

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James (The Grateful One)

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posted 10-19-2003 07:09 PM           

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You are right that it isn't cycled but it is 27 gallons and I do have a test kit. Ammonia is virtually o, nitrite o but ph is really high at 7.6. The balas seem better. Nobody is drifting upside down for a while any longer. That makes me feel better. I am watching closely. Should I change water because it isn't cycled? Or should I purchase some ph adjuster? I have planted three real plants in the tank as well. Thank you for your advice.

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posted 10-19-2003 07:12 PM           

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oh yeah, I should mention that I have an aquaclear 200 filter. Could that be why my noncycled tank has no ammonia?

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