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I am in the process of setting up my community 150, and have seen conflicting info about them with small tetras on the web. Please give me your personal experiences with them (NOT what you have heard).

I didnt' have any problem with a bala shark with neons.

I'm assuming that's the size of "smaller tetra" that you were refering to.

^_^

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Depending on how large the bala is, it shouldn't be a problem. However, in my 75 gal, just about every occupant in it seems to enjoy the occasional guppy fry treat with relish, including balas. I suppose your best bet is just to start off with smaller balas.

Last edited by Cup_of_Lifenoodles at 26-Sep-2004 14:43

I have a 29 Gallon tank that includes 5 cardinal tetras and a small (3 to 4in.) bala shark. I have had no problems whatsoever. Hunter (the name my daughter gave the bala) is blind in one eye and the gentlest fish in the whole tank. He doesn't even act as though he realizes the tetras are there.

Neons and cardinals are the smallest that will be in there. I was wondering about adult balas moreso. Thanks all for your replies.

Adult balas will definitely be happy to eat neons - I've seen 6" ones give good chase to Rainbows they weren't large enough to eat, with food on the mind.
Besides, I wouldn't keep Balas in a 150 anyway. Just too restrictive. Even if they only hit 12", it's the equivalent of keeping Zebra danios, which are similarly active, in a 6-8" long tank.

-Molly
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I have 3 Bala Sharks in my 90g, and I have many small fish, glowlights, pristellas, white clouds, danios, and the balas have never even turned an eye their way. I think if your bala sharks are eating other fish, you arent feeding them enough. Being as they are a large fish, they need to be fed more than a small fish, and yet I still have seen people feed their bala sharks the same amount they feed their guppys, which isnt right.
Just keep them well fed and your little fish will be fine. Balas are wonderful, peaceful, gentle beings. It is understandable why they could be considered one of the foundations of the aquarium trade.


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