Bala Shark Care - Really Think About it Before You Buy One!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Want more information on potential tank mates for Bala Sharks? Check out these species profiles! Electric Blue Acara: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKe3kHhqqdR9h5I Syncrossus berdmorei Loach: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqTKeIKXmbVqas0 Tinfoil Barb: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXLRYZiBed2VoNk Gourami Care: kzbin.info/www/bejne/anbJqpytpJKfmZY Clown Loach Care: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJaog5yLZdxsf7M Oscar Care: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n36qloF6aN94is0 Bristlenose Pleco Care: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIPXkKeghLCMbpY If you want to see more behind the scenes stuff, exclusive videos and support the channel consider becoming a member! kzbin.info/door/YVN7EN0ALL6CE4U7NpMUTAjoin Also, our new shirts can be found at: www.primetimeaquatics.com/merch For the latest in the fish room check us out on Instagram primetime_aquatics

[@junehansen9749]

australien killifish, discus, angelfish, been there done that. werry easy fish to keep with others. IF they get to have the upper layer of water to get speed racing in when young. they get alot more quiet when they get older.

[@NordicViking29]

I know im late on commenting and seeing this video but Bala sharks can get bigger than a foot. I used to have bala sharks growing up. Our Bala grew to be about 15 inches in size

[@vibinvinayakumar9006]

Why do i always buy one before i think about it

[@houghtone96]

I did too lol thankful our uncle has a koi pond. Right now our bala shark lives with common pelco bottom feeder and two koi fish. We have a 55 gal but they are only an inch and thin right now lol the shark and koi are same size. Im screwed 😔

[@kuratortrivia795]

@@houghtone96 hahahaha... I bought myself some Pacu too years ago. At the time the size is cute, what I didnt know is, that dude grow into size of a plate. I gave it to my friend that has pool for fish

[@kellyganey5032]

Exactly! I had no IDEA one would get so BIG! When we bought it, it was SO tiny! It was only about 2 inches long - IF THAT! I got the tiniest one in the tank (the "RUNT"). 😅 It got up to almost 8 INCHES LONG! One morning I got up and he was floating, belly side up. I was DISTRAUGHT! I put it in the bathtub and kept swishing my hands back and forth to create oxygen bubbles for it. It started to swim again. I was so relieved. My husband, I & kids took off to Wal-Mart to get a new aerator, air pump, tubing, etc. to make SURE he was getting PLENTY of oxygen. We RUSHED back home ~ only to find "JAWS" on his back again - floating. We swished and swooshed our hands over and over, but nothing. We kept swishing while my husband got all the new equipment hooked up and going, then we put him back in the tank. He, eventually, rolled over and began to swim. He even ate good that night. Next morning, Jaws was belly up again. Unfortunately, that was his very last swim. 😢 I was so sad. I'd had him for SEEEEEEEVERAL years! And I had a silver dollar fish that I'd gotten at the same time as Jaws that was about as big as a nickel (maybe a TAD bigger) and it was ALMOST the size of a small saucer (for a teacup). It was BEAUTIFUL! It was a VERY short time after Jaws died that "Silver" died. Within days, my blue lobster (who had been through hell and back - previously) died, as well. It was all, just, really odd. I miss my little fishies. ❤

[@VincentBeville]

I bought three juveniles for my 40 gallon tank. I didn't realize they got that big until I saw a video about a week ago. I'm going to adopt them out now, while they're still small.

[@Thirsty4Thirst]

good move, next time do your research before buying any animal

[@brianwatt7136]

Always remember seeing these as a kid and thinking they were super cool. I personally feel they should only be available to pre-order through a store who can make sure they're going to a suitable tank long-term. If I move house and get a big enough tank I do like the idea of taking one on from someone who's not got the room for it any more.

[@LOSTmyHOST]

I bought this shark as a begginer on this habby. The store never told me anything about his grown up size (it was 5cm in the store). I did not know it was hard to keep but I guess I have done everything right until now because he is 5 years old now (around 20cm). Love this hobby btw and glad to learn something new everyday 😊

[@Thirsty4Thirst]

how large of a tank is he in?

[@LOSTmyHOST]

@@Thirsty4Thirst Unfurtunaly he lives alone in a twenty gallon tank. I now he needs more space, I try to have his tank almost empty of decorations because of that. Its hard in my town to get a bigger tank, the stores refuse to sell me only the tank and still is quite expensive where I live. He is really healthy but he stop growing up and is almost 6 years now 😅

[@Thirsty4Thirst]

@@LOSTmyHOST 20 cm in a 20 gallon oh my

[@SylvrFox]

@@Thirsty4Thirstoh boy surprised he even grew to that size in relative to its environment

[@js6086]

I have a BGKF, Xl silver shark, barramundi and an Oscar with plecos, mystery snails, breeding trio corydoras all in a planted tank and everything is running perfectly 🙌 nice video and variety! Love mixing everything up and being different

[@heavenlythoughts8075]

strange set of fish and I love it. it's pretty refreshing to see those fish get along in that tank and many people say don't do this and don't do that. good job

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! It certainly is a goofy mix.😀

[@vivaeuropa]

I want to mix Oscar's, bala sharks, clown loaches, some type of independent loach, silver dollars and a plecho.

[@smokingnothinbutgood7921]

I have one I got shortly after I graduated in 2006. Its now 2022!!

[@jerryross5423]

Thanks - you saved me from a mistake.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good to hear!

[@GaulThompson]

I just got two :*(

[@stojancedezalekov1840]

This saved me too

[@Great_Lakes_Discus]

They arnt a mistake as long as any fish you have is at least half its size

[@shanna0904able]

Sure did

[@t.m.badventures9998]

I just bought one for my son his abouy 3 inches now. I cant wait until he grows

[@ZsaZsaUmbra]

It's hard to believe that tank is really that big. This video really puts their size into perspective.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

It sure does! : -)

[@mycatisjudgingyou800]

I’m new to the hobby, made the mistake of not researching independently... bought a bala shark... for a 60l tank thinking they stay little.... looks like I’m upgrading. Learning as I go.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Glad you are working through the issue!

[@PRINCESSDREAMYLYN]

the bala shark is one of my favorites. I've had them they get along with all kinds of fish including guppies they like an open area mid tank lot of plants to the sides and i never had an issue of them eating or attacking tank mates. plus they are one of the prettiest fish and a bit shy in my op pinion. I never found them to be aggressive or even simi aggressive while i had them, space is the only reason i don't have them at this time. anyone that wants a pretty show fish mid tank and has room for large community tank this ones a winner. thanks for sharing your tank is lovely.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I really like them too!

[@dhammaboy1203]

Thanks for sharing your insight too - when I get a 180g I’d seriously think of getting a couple!

[@Shadowdoe1]

Will they live with mollies cause I Am going to get a Bala shark

[@PRINCESSDREAMYLYN]

@@Shadowdoe1 i had mollies with mine and guppies fresh water baby whales and sword tails and neon tetras so yes they should be just fine. and a few other fish I've forgotten.

[@scruffyscrubs5468]

I had several tanks back in the day. Loved the bala sharks!

[@akl_gaming2625]

Awsome fish but not for all. Remember my friend had one in a 120L tank back in the days out grew it after 1-2 years. Awsome video sir thanks. Happy fishkeeping

[@mattosullivan9687]

I like Bala Sharks I buy them every once in a while. They are good in a community tank, mine is 50 gallon. They are very sensitive to changes in condition, I usually lose them when I do a partial water change. However, I currently have 2 I bought last year in honor of the NHL playoffs, Joe Thornton & Joe Pavelski (Care to guess which team I follow?) They are doing quite well, the large one is about 3 in long. As they get larger you will see a bit of yellow on their fins really cool to look at.

[@PurpleDrac]

Gorgeous shark there friend. Seems to be in really good health. Wow eight inches huh. That's a pretty good size for it's species. And I can see why it was dubbed bala "shark." Those fins are just so fitting. It for all the world looks like a shark. Only with fish attributes cuz sharks don't typically suspend themselves and are always moving. But gorgeous fish. I thought this was a really cool video with a precise tutorial on how to take care of it. he was so spot on and as you can see the fish is in great health. Awesome video! 👍thumbsup 😎

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@barettshi4345]

my bala shark violently jumps out of the water every time he wakes up

[@ozzie2612]

mine is also a jumper , less so now 13 years old

[@jorgehall8959]

That explains why my snails all disappeared, I have 5 in one tank, i think they're my favorite fish.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

It sure does. : -)

[@kylecarracappa2312]

I've put bala sharks with oscars and it worked just fine

[@vikkitee4686]

I have 2 Bala sharks, love them, they are so dosial, actually my favourite fish. I did have 3 but one impaled himself on a bit of wood. My tank is 100 gallon so I am hoping to grow them out but they are about 6 years old now so don’t think they will get any bigger now about 8 inches. I’ve had them with all sorts of fish, tetras, gourami, rainbow fish .... all sorts. I don’t find mine aggressive at all

[@diewithurbootzon2070]

Pretty smart & aware fish! like others, bought two from a pet store not realizing how large they got. We just had a few fish in a 20 gal tank for the cat to watch & the generally aesthetics of an aquarium w/ plants. They are about 5 yrs now and are moving into a bigger aquarium next week. They seem very smart, don't bother my bottom feeders at all, but do LOVE harassing the cat! they discovered they can flip up and bang on the lid when she walks by and make her jump and run then seem to watch with amusement as she bolts down the hall. We've really come to like the 2 balas and are investing in a better set up for them, but can't do 150-200 gal. They've done OK in the small tank with very frequent water changes and keeping the tall plants trimmed down out of their swimming area and hopefully the 75 will at least be better. Hoping the fact that it's long enough for them to swim more will be OK despite the lesser volume.

[@colleenreicks6454]

Your 75 gal idea will work fine for them..I started out in a 30 g and moved to a 60 g for years..then just got lucky to find a sump tank setup at a reasonable price..just remember..with the larger tanks you have very heavy weight on your floor..make sure you set it where the floor can carry it..enjoy!

[@killshots_production]

Jason, you are amazing love all your videos!

[@slickchick5811]

LOL at that striped catfish laying there like a paperweight

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

He's a lazy bid guy. : -)

[@colleenreicks6454]

Thanks for your video on tin foil barbs and bally sharks...I have a 220 gal sump tank setup and have several different types of fish in it but am considering a tin foil barb..3 sharks, 5 silver dollars, several platies to supply babies for a couple meat eaters..that works out great..I also supplement their commercial food with veggies..and have 1 cat fish and a pleco that's about 14 inches right now .. I don't know yet where to get a tin foil barb..what setup will I need to transport it to me and it's forever home

[@b1ade307]

They get big!!! Was my first fish ever started in a 10 then moved too a 15 after a year now he is 4yrs old and over 5inches big and in a 40gal tank happily active and beautiful shiny scales but bout that time too find a way too adopt him out he’s getting a lil too big been a very fun and loving journey and peaceful love with the bala great personality but aggree with prime aquatics they get big and def not one for beginners thinking it will not outgrow the tank it will 😅

[@GiveMeLiberty221]

Really nice tank. You mix like I do. I love all the different types and have always put sharks, barbs and tetra's with cichlids.

[@JohnnyMacalvee-cf7et]

Right now I have my Bala with a small Oscar and there is no problem yet. When the Oscar gets bigger I will have to separate them. Oscar tackles the fish and if the Oscar don't finish or eat the goldfish. The Bala does. I'm always checking to make sure the Oscar doesn't snip at the Bala. Oscar knows she can't eat the Bala and doesn't bother....yet.

[@evabug1]

Nice video and sweet tail on your bala shark. I agree about the tank size for balas. I have a trio and they didn't act natural (not jumpy, startle easily) until I put them in my 7x2x2. They need the longer footprint.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Sounds like a cool set-up!

[@ST62382]

Bought one because my oldest son really wanted one for my community aquarium. I had it in there for a while until it got too big for the other fish and would out-compete them for food. It’s now in an aquarium with some goldfish that are about the same size as it and they do great together

[@ZsaZsaUmbra]

That's great! I've been thinking of getting a school to go in my indoor goldfish pond, so I'm glad to hear it works!

[@ST62382]

Zsa Zsa Umbra I only have one in with my Goldie’s. I’m sure people would say you can’t mix them but it’s working out for me. Doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll work for you but I see no reason it wouldn’t

[@Cl0w]

Zsa Zsa Umbra mine lives with a bunch of mollies it’s definitely the most behaved fish in my tank

[@ollymilesy3622]

Mine lived for 11yrs. Nothin wrong with him apart from he jumped out of the tank once

[@KariIzumi1]

My mom has two that will freak out and jump out the tank if the lights go out lol

[@migueljhm26]

I have a 75 gal tank with 2 bala sharks, 1 rainbow shark, 9 buenos aires tetras and 4 zebra barbs… i am new to this and wanted your opinion on the mix that i have… i want to add another species but dont know which would work with what i have… Love your videos thanks.

[@jeffparryncc1701]

The sun shining on a Bala shark is be behold. A great fish.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I bet that is cool!

[@birbsgobrr1619]

My family used to have two of them, they got to about 5 inches long each and then we had to sell them cause at the time we only had a 20 gallon high tank though there was already a pleco, a bunch of Zebra danios, and some neon tetras. The pleco had to be sold year or 2 later as it had grown to at least 9 inches long. The danios and neons have all sadly passed away. Currently however we have two lemon tetras, 1 rummy nose tetra, 1 black phantom tetra, and a 6 inch goldspot plecostomus, there were much more tetras but they passed away from a bad fin rot that was caught a bit to late but the other fish weren't didn't get it

[@birbsgobrr1619]

Also right now, they are all looking healthy and as they should, and the pleco is a big chunky boi

[@brennoncantrell5867]

I’m afraid to tell everyone what all I have in my 55 gallon tank… lol but it’s been going great for a year now and no issues also my water quality is perfect for cichlids without treatment even though I use natural starters still. It’s well water and we’ve had it tested for fish and we are grateful for our water ❤️ i do have a bala shark.. and eventually I’ll have another larger tank for him. But as of 1 year they are all doing perfectly and I love my fish so much along with all the tank and water care 👍 my other fish are 3 years old

[@juliancooper329]

thank you for this it is a BIG help

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good to hear!

[@highsector]

i keep mine in a pond, so they are about 8-10 inch length now, 2 years old or so

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That's awesome!

[@vivaeuropa]

How big is your pond?

[@highsector]

@@vivaeuropa 3.5 m x 4m, and 1.5 meter depth

[@anujme3]

I have 4 of them and they don't trouble other fish but during feeding, they chase each other off. Mine might be only 2-3 months old. The second day I got them 1 was chasing other two and that one and another one was having strange body slamming thing going on. So I don't think that is breeding thing might be trying to pair up or choosing alpha? Well on white light they do reflect light and looks awesome. (Not dark as shown in here I guess the colour changes after they grow up) They are kinda dormant and stay on one side in a group and at mid-level of the tank. I got them cause I couldn't find the Albino Sharks on my local stores. But I am glad that I saw this video cause I was actually going to get few snails. I don't want them to be food for these fish.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Ya, the body slapping is a form of dominance. Rarely have I seen them really hurt one another, but they will chase each other around.

[@gregd6706]

My two Bala's are the calmest fish by far in my tank. Having said that what I was told to be an African Cichlid when I got it about a year ago (just a small silver Cichlid with a black dot) turned out to be a 12" hell raising female Red Devil that terrorized the tank! Luckily no casualties though (gave it up to the local aquatics store as a rescue last week). Just curious, is that a red devil in your video at 3:07 to 3:16? That's exactly what mine looked like with that "salmon" sort of color. Thanks!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That was a gold severum. They tend to be relatively non-aggressive. :-)

[@daanvandewinkel8125]

I have 2 of them in a 50Inch tank is the tank big enough They are about 4years old and 7inches long I Also have a pangasius but its the smallest species pangasius They get about 10inches to and he is 8inches long so I think They are all healthy

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

If I had to do it over again I would not put them in anything less than an 8ft tank. Just because of their activity level.

[@pauldillingham6316]

I saw a tank full of bala sharks for sale at my local Petsmart the other day and thought about what you have said in the past about them.

[@eriknielsen138]

I have one it was doing great then I added some more fish all of a sudden it stopped swimming around and not moving much

[@pedralvezkyle511]

Hi! I currently have a one red tail and one bala shark they both do fine. I just wanted to ask if what other fishes can I put in my aquarium. I have a 15 gallon tank. Do tetras do fine with them?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

At some point you will want to move them out of that tank. Both will become more aggressive as they get larger. The bala shark will grow up to 12-14" and require a lot of space (our 150 gallon was too cramped for him). Our red tail shark is currently 6.5" and also requires at least a 75 gallon tank in my opinion. Usually a red tail shark will terrorize most fish in anything less than a 4ft tank.

[@pedralvezkyle511]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Ohh I see, But can I put tetras on this aquarium?

[@laken97]

Im taking notes because i wanna be a good fish mom lol how often and how much would you say would be best to feed just the bala shark?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I feed all my fish twice a day. Seems to keep aggression down.

[@kylerzepski4519]

I have two of them in a 90 gallon tank I am waiting to upgrade to a 150 but I’m still talking it over with my wife and I’m not sure my second floor can support a 150

[@vitamincalmasmr]

WOW that bala shark is stunning

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@freightliner8262]

Could the Bala Shark get along with Cory Catfish, Synodontis decorus catfish, plecos, obviously get along with Clown loaches, zebra loaches? Thank you for your time 👍hopefully you could help me trying to put a community tank together..

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Ya, I don't see any issues with that combo.

[@mjohnson5030]

Great video. Wish I saw it before I (aquarium noob) got SIX of those awesome "DUDE I have SIX sharks now, dude! Totally! hey're called SHARKS! lol In a 30 gallon tank... yeah. Bit off more than I can chew !!!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

YOu aren't the only one. :-)

[@mrkashman0596]

Is 90 hot for a big aquarium, I have one big heater in the corner but I’m not sure to turn it down to 85

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Yes, that is very hot. Most typical tropical fish have an optimal temperature in the upper 70s.

[@mrkashman0596]

Ya but the sticker on the side of the tank, the water mark says 82 but the 82 mark is like an inch away from the top of the water mark. Thanks for replying to my comment too it means a lot 👍🏻

[@mrkashman0596]

How long does it take to get the fish tank not as cloudy as it is now, a few weeks ? I cleaned it out... put a new filter in and cleaned every plant/ornament. Do you think Bala sharks will go well with other fish like the tiger barb, what’s your favourite fish to put in a tank all together and how many of each ?.

[@marktyler7821]

How do you tell the difference in gender of the irr shark

[@tavoo7963]

Hello, can I have Rodostomus and Bashak in the same aquarium?

[@cazamerelong-bailey4102]

Nice. I like these videos. Have you done one on the Geophagus? I'd like to know more about it

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I've done some on our other Geophagus and will have to do one on this as well!

[@cazamerelong-bailey4102]

Prime Time Aquatics Can't wait to see it!!

[@tahoeman191]

Would a 8 ft long by 4 ft tall by 1 ft wide be good for a couple of them?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

The 1ft wide will probably wind up being the issue - full grown they won't be able to turn around.

[@eeeeemiliooooo]

How many could I keep in a 65 gallon bow front aquarium about 4 feet wide?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

For me personally I wouldn't but them again unless I had an 8ft tank. They get very large and are extremely active.

[@eeeeemiliooooo]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Yeah seems like they need more space. Thanks for the info.

[@JaneDiamondnose-starstable]

These fish are advertised in my local big corporate pet shop. The little tag says it grows to a max of 6 cm (2 Inch) !! I knew they were wrong and told staff but they didn't believe me.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I think they are missing a one in front. :-)

[@KariIzumi1]

My mom got two of these thinking the same thing four years ago. I hadn't been home since the Before Times™ but I was surprised to find the two of them were damn near nine inches in a 50 gallon tank. My mom is considering rehoming them now 🤣

[@1975curt]

I just brought three for my 75 gallon aquarium they’re about 2 inches long right now I hope they don’t outgrow it too soon

[@mkmac909]

my local fish store sold me 4 of these guys about 6 months ago and I told them I had a 50 gal tank. i inherited the tank so im learning as i go but i never would have bought these if i had known how large they get. I dont have room or want for 200 gal tank.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That stinks. Often stores will take them back. You might be out the money, however. You could see what they say?

[@HotHeadFPS]

Cool tank to watch 👀

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@JWFitness1]

oh great. I have 3 small balas and a 75 gallon tank. I'm nervous.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Ya, they will get pretty big. I wish I could move mine out of our 4ft 150 gallon.

[@duckets8340]

I had 3 got big and fought each other all the time

[@whiskeyman34able]

Rule of thumb was and kinda still is, 1 gal of water per 1 inch per fish(total size when fully grown) So if you have 10 2inch fish you'd need bigger then a 20gal tank

[@davidzito66]

There jumpers too cover any holes on your lid

[@laken97]

Im considering getting one and at the store they recommended 1 bala shark needs to be in a atleast a 30 by itself and that it would be okay. However they recommend getting atleast 2 of them and having them in a bigger tank to lessen the possibility of the fish getting depressed.

[@ksmith5253]

Excellent segment. Thanks for response

[@MarcoLiftz]

That’s such a beautiful bala

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@MarcoLiftz]

Prime Time Aquatics I’m sad man I think mine died yesterday from a water change. 😫 i think I shocked him and or the ammonia levels spiked he was about 6 months old. He was just getting big

[@MrDhanzy]

What is the fish at 0:24. With long bottom fins

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That was Geophagus altifrons!

[@MrDhanzy]

Prime Time Aquatics thanks a ton.. hope to see them in my tank some day..

[@nicholasmcdonoough5922]

Man have 3 of these I like them cause they move they are very quick to eat their food!

[@addysau6917]

Another great video. Thanks for the info. how long does it take to reach a foot? I am planning to get one. its a beautiful fish

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! It took about four years for mine to reach its current size of about nine inches.

[@Megatog615]

My local fish store had one that was over a foot long and it was at least 5 years old.

[@aarongonzalez4458]

I wish I could get one but I only have a 10 gal tank 😔

[@aleyaartim3096]

I had a pair. They reached 7.5" in 1 and half year. They were already 3" almost when we bought them and fed them with algae pellets and live tubifex only.

[@pieratesofcarribean]

Hi can you please tell me what Angelfish you have in this tank. He is so big and beautiful. How long you have it in your tank?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

It was sold as a mixed veil tail. Thank you!

[@paulcardoza9880]

Beautiful fish thanks for the info!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! Appreciate you watching

[@TharangaUdagedara]

Hi, I bought another SS now, only a small one this time as I lost last my four due to Cl issue in water. I am worrying about his feeding now. It doesn't seem that he comes up and eating the floating food. He sometimes goes after sinking foods (APEX 1mm). But I don't think that would be enough. Tank mates are clowns and corrys. Any suggestion please? PS: Now SS and Loach are sick, they have got ich.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I would treat the ICH - behavior may change after that.

[@jrsalazar24]

Would it be ok to keep 1 in a 5 foot 75 gallon ? My other fishes are some pleco’s and 1 rainbow shark with a pink tail chalceus , at my local pet store there is about 2, 6’’ bala’s crammed in about a 10 gallon maybe a little bigger with many another bala’s and rainbows and i want at least one in my tank

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I can only say what I would do given the size tank you mentioned. Based on the size of my Bala shark, if I could give him what I think is solid I would have gotten a group of 4 or 5 in a 220 (Basically a 6ft version of my 4ft 150). Bala sharks like to be in groups and are quite active. I also think my Red Tailed Shark in my 75 (similar to your rainbow) and the Bala shark would kill each other (or at least one of them would end up dead).

[@jrsalazar24]

Prime Time Aquatics thanks for the info really informative , as for the rainbow shark i have i was looking for a new home for him because he is quite a bully to my Pink Tail , well not bully but he is very territorial

[@leeandmandybattersby5958]

Beautiful fish

[@Great_Lakes_Discus]

Im inclined to believe that is a Geophagus Altifrons sold to you under the name of Surinamensis. I encourage you to do some quick research real quick. Surinamensis have a spot that covers at least 8-10 scales

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Yes, shorting after posting this video it was determined that was Altifrons. :-)

[@Great_Lakes_Discus]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics thats good altifrons are more hardy and grow bigger anyways. And just as beautiful

[@bwicked3059]

Thanks bud 🤜🏻🤛🏻

[@TheBosss]

Can we eat it when it gets big???

[@countryboycharlie9793]

These are the most calm fish in my tank, my acara are the aggressive ones in my tank 🤷‍♂️

[@henryb1998]

How long does it take for the Bala to grow to it’s maximum size ?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Fish are weird in that they never actually stop growing throughout their life. It took about 7-8 years for mine to get to his current size.

[@thatGuyQuincy]

I had a few of these & they would die quick on me whenever i change tank water

[@slaughternut]

I have one of these in a 40 Gallon breeder atm he’s very small I have two of them always active and lively. Eventually I’m going to upgrade to a pond

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

The pond will be awesome for them.

[@KyleZirbes]

Have they outgrown the tank yet? I just bought two for my 40

[@les6838]

I would like some advice on this tank I'm about to buy. I am going to buy a tan with 6 silver dollars, 15 African chiclids, 6 bala sharks, spotted plecko and a yoyo loach. The tank is 360 litres, do you think these fish will work with each other. The person I am buying this off has had the tank for a long time and she says they live well with each other. I would like some assistance could someone please help?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I've had that mix without any issues as well. The bala shark that you see in this 150 originally grew up with a bunch of cichlids and they always ignored each other. Same with the silver dollars I had in the tank.

[@les6838]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Thank You

[@iamOTHER44]

Can these work with tiger barbs or are they too small?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

They can work

[@iamOTHER44]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Thank you! I know how big these fish get and I saw you had medium sized tetras with yours but I just wanted to be sure

[@PauzSycho]

I have had 2 bala sharks in my day my first one was named Simba I had him for a year he was about 7 inches I got rid of him though because he was just completely beating up my one of my geophagus really bad so I got rid of him now I got a new one named Mufasa and he still hasn’t had his growth spert and is about 1 inch still (Oh yeah since I know you like cichlids my 2 geophagus are a threadfin acara and the other one I honestly don’t even know from my research I have done I think it is called a geophagus Alonzoi but don’t quote me on that)

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Hope this one works out well!

[@PauzSycho]

Thanks!

[@mujtababarati2046]

I bought my silver sharks two days ago. There is a problem abut feeding them, seems they don't eat at all! What to do, how to make them eat food? Please guide me

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That is unusual for these fish. I would start with checking water parameters - ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, and hardness if other fish are looking a bit off. If everything is ok, I might also start observing them more closely for some type of parasite (either ich or something internal - white poop).

[@mujtababarati2046]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics thanks for your reply sir. Everything is ok now they've started eating but just they don't rush to catch the food like the other two banana fish in the tank they're a little slow when eat food but I think they're gonna be faster by time. In the first two days they didn't eat anything and were very calm and slow which I think was due to stress of living in a new place, now they eat food and look so happy cuz they try to jump out the tank and just don't stop swiming.

[@markmossoczy3957]

What’s a good size tank to have if you only have one bala?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I really wish I had a 6ft tank for mine. However, they really are fish that like to be in groups. My setup is far from ideal for this fish.

[@fernandocapelinha2615]

3ft

[@roamingrino]

What is the catfish with the yellow stripe.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That is a Rafael cat

[@amazingaquaticsandexotics3030]

great vid

[@AmesiPhoneRepairMore]

Do you think 1 Bala and 1 red tail shark be okay? I recently discovered my orange African chiclids are pregnant i took my cichlids out? Any recommendations i have a 40 gallon tank

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I probably wouldn't put either one in a 40 gallon. RTS get very aggressive as they get larger and I gad bala sharks in a 150 gallon that I thought was too small.

[@AmesiPhoneRepairMore]

Prime Time Aquatics do you think it’s possible i could give you a call and talk with you about your expertise. I would only want like 5-10 mins of your time if possible

[@yashupadhyay6972]

Is bala shark compatible with bronze featherback ?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

You would probably have to spot feed the featherback because the balas would outcompete it for food.

[@TharangaUdagedara]

I heard that they temp to jump out of the tank and your tank seems not covered though.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Very true!

[@joescala7520]

Looking for advice i have a 8in. Bala and a 7in. Red parrot in a 75 gal. I was thinking about looking for a new home for them because of tank size am i right ?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Ya, it might not be a bad idea to rehome the Bala Shark if possible. The red parrot might be ok in that tank provided it isn't over-stocked.

[@joescala7520]

Thanks

[@justinwilson3922]

Wait could I get a baby one in a 40g and up grade it over years because if yours is 8 to 9 inches in 9 years then it should be fine in my 40g but one issue is that I have black Moore gold fish in there 😅

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

They tend to be too active for smaller tanks.

[@justinwilson3922]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics true

[@misstrebecca]

How long will it take to grow full size

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

A few years

[@hamiddamanwala8596]

Ohhhh,,,just can’t believe it,,,tanks mt,,,,,never seen before,,,,great job,,,

[@loooodoooog]

Wow great looking fish 👌🏼

[@loooodoooog]

I wonder if you could help me out?! I’m worried about my Bala shark, he seems to be agitated lately . When I feed for example he will frantically swim and bump into the glass :(. Do you think a 240 litre tank is suitable for a 5 inch Bala shark ? An any general advice or fish care would be gradually appreciated. Thanks

[@puntmaster9896]

can keep 1 in a 100G? Thank you for the content. ☺️💯

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

My personal feeling is that these are schooling fish - if I could do it over again I would not have bought these unless I had an 8ft tank and could have kept at least six in that tank.

[@puntmaster9896]

Prime Time Aquatics Thank you for the short and sweet reply. What would you recommend for a 100G monster fish tank. I am planning on getting the Fluval FX6 for a filter. Is that enough? Thanks. 🙏🏼😊

[@photosniper81]

I've tried to own bala sharks in the past and even recently and don't have very good luck with them. What am I doing wrong?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Hard to say for sure - they would prefer to be in groups in a large tank without aggressive fish. In the ideal setup I'd probably have a minimum of a 220-240 gallon tank with a group of 5-6.

[@catfishcave379]

How often do you do water changes on that tank and what percentage? I love balasharks (and have had my share over the years) but I feel they deserve to be in a small shoal in a circular tank (minimum 30" diameter) with a good current. Thank you for emphasizing 6 or 8 foot tanks. Can you film this tank next time you feed it snails? I want to see how all these species devour them.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

The tank in this video gets about 50% water change per week. I’ve been wanting to do a snail feeding video for a while!

[@danielletracyann]

Geophagus are so beautiful 😍 they look like saltwater fish

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! We love them too!

[@BritneyStinson]

danielletracyann my uncle used to call me a geophagus 😔

[@vb2377]

Is it an actual shark? Or just name? Love your info vids

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Great question. It’s not a shark, but a cyprinid.

[@ryanshurtz1756]

Its not a shark just a tropical fish. There really cool

[@mac_Ta]

Sorry to be bumping this year old thread but: 1. Balas ime are sensitive to water quality fluctuations. 2. They can and will nip. 3. They ARE jumpers 4. Is that angelfish still there? It seems pretty stressed and pale. Also its fins appear nipped. 5. I know you said it already, but it truly is a weird combo of fish in that community tank.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

The Angel was in there for a while, but got moved to a 125 gallon with a little less action.

[@jeffparryncc1701]

I love the geophagus swimming around ButI can't have one due to out temp gets to 50f - 10c

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

What kind of fish are you keeping at that temp?

[@ZsaZsaUmbra]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics probably pond fish

[@mrgamer718]

did you say that the bala shark grows to a foot?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Yes!

[@gowthams2865]

Beautiful fish but may I know how old is this one?!! How fast they ll grow??

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

They grow fast! The one I have is about 10 years old.

[@CociesrosHp]

These fishes are rly nice. I've since i started out with fishes wanted to get a rly big tank and adopt balas that needs to be rehomed... I just gotta get rich first. I'm also gonna get a mansion and keep 2 rescue pigs on the bottom floor of the mansion and i'll be in heaven lol.

[@CociesrosHp]

Also i've never understood why ppl doest read about the animal theyre gonna get BEFORE getting it. Ppl are dumb.