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Okay, first off, how big is your "cursed" tank? If you are talking about a bala shark they need really big tanks and schools so you probably do not want to get another one of those again anyways.
Secondly, don't freak out. I've only been keeping tanks for 6 months and I thought for sure I had the most cursed tank ever. Just take a breath, everything will work out eventually, especially as you learn more.
Good luck!
Jen

See, I think half my problem is that I don't know enough to keep me out of trouble. My son really wants a shark, and I want to make this as fun for him as I hope it will be for me.

The first time I went, the guy said "Don't get bola sharks, they get too big and are nasty." He suggested a red tipped shark. So that is what I got. This shark seemed to be doing fine, but he jumped out three days after I got him and I found him the next morning. So when I went back last night, I was planning to just get another red tip, but the lady there said "Don't get red tips, they are nasty. You should get this bola instead." So I did, and now I have no sharks and have no idea what kind to get when I go to replace this one.

I will keep at this until I defeat this evil tank and my fish will prosper and everyone will live happily ever after.

Thanks,
Don

TKF how long has your tank been set up? IF you havent had fish in it longer than a month then you will want to read up on cycling/fishless cycling. The reason your water parameters were asked for was for this reason. The reason the first shark jumped out is probably because of high ammonia levels. Bala sharks are actually a carp ... not teeth in mouth only in throat, and are not aggressive. However both sharks you mentioned get to be over 6" need a tank of at least 55g for these and bala sharks like to be in schools, actually need bigger than a 100 for them.

Biggest problems newcomers have is cycling. While your tank is cycling it would seem as if your tank is cursed. Most everything dies or tries to jump out.

Watchout for irridescent sharks/catfish ... they are extremely skittish, get sick easily, and grow to over 1.5 feet ... they can and will break the glass on your tank.

Bdadawg

Bala not Bola, sharks get very large. They need a tank 75g or larger. However, they are very peaceful and calm, like a gentle giant.
I would say you could try a False Siamensis, Flying Fox, or a Red Tail Black Shark.
All these look like "sharks" and are hardy and dont get too big if your tank is 30g or larger.


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Irridescent sharks actually grow to 6-8 feet in length. They often weigh over 200 lbs when caught!
I would avoid that fish, the columbian shark also gets too big, and avoid the botia modesta, which looks like a shark.


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How large is your tank TKF Enterprises?????

As said above Bala/silver sharks get very large.
IMO at least a 100g is needed because they need to be kept in groups.








Last edited by PJ at 30-Dec-2004 03:18

ok once again, how big is your tank?

BALA sharks need a 125g tank min (6').

Ok, I'm really getting worried now. Maybe it is just me. I must have the cursed tank or something.

I went last night and bought three fish. Two x-ray tetras and one bola shark. I get home and put the bags in the tank to let the temperature get even. I go back 20-30 minutes later to start putting some of my water in the bags, and the shark is belly up in his bag. The bag isn't even open or anything. The two x-rays are fine.

I took the shark bag out and put it in my spill sink and continued with the x-rays. All is fine with them, but the shark is done. I went to the store today and they said to bring it back and they would give me another one.

I'm afraid if I get anymore, my tank of doom my strike again.

Any suggestions as to what nay have happened?

Thanks
Don

what does the shark look like?

Rainbow/Red Tailed Black Sharks get that big.

Bala sharks get to be about 10"

Bala sharks exceed 1 foot. I've heard plenty of people that have seen them exceeding 14 inches. Since they're also active and schooling fish they really do need large tanks, 250 gallons would be good.

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Current [link=Contest Rules]http://www.fishprofiles.com/files/forums/Aquascaping/44382.html?200412022138" style="COLOR: #EB4288[/link][/font]

He/she/it is silver with black tips on the fin and tail.

Thanks,
Don

I have searched this site, but was not able to find anything on cycling. Can some one give a brief overview of what this is? Can I do it now that I already have fish? I am willing to read and/or listen, I just want to have a nice tank.

Thanks again to everyone.

[link=FAQ on Cycling]http://www.fishprofiles.net/faq/begin-cycling.asp" style="COLOR: #EB4288[/link] check the FAQ @ the top of the page for other great info on good beginner fish .

Pretty sure I'd linked you in another one of your posts *shrug*

^_^
Current [link=Contest Rules]http://www.fishprofiles.com/files/forums/Aquascaping/44382.html?200412022138" style="COLOR: #EB4288[/link][/font]

Thanks Babelfish,

I didn't notice the link. Sorry, I thought it was just typing in another color since there was no underline.
I tried the search option above, but it gives me an access denied error.

See, I am learning as I go already. I will read this and see what I can do,

Thanks,
Don

Hmmm it shouldnt' give you an error.... [link=Beginner fish]http://www.fishprofiles.net/faq/fish-popular.asp#first" style="COLOR: #EB4288[/link] that's the info that helped me out the most when I started .

^_^
Current [link=Contest Rules]http://www.fishprofiles.com/files/forums/Aquascaping/44382.html?200412022138" style="COLOR: #EB4288[/link][/font]

Ok, I will read both of these, get my testing stuff and hope for the best. As soon as I do my tests, I will put the reults here.

Thanks