300 gal stock tank

[Jocephus]

Okay, I am doing a 300 gallon stock tank in the basement. FOWLR, or maybe a small shark? Any suggestions on setup/filter/lights/pumps/livestock?

I really like the bins some people post, I figure the stock tank will be way easier. Thoughts?

Joe

 

[DamnPepShrimp]

What are the dimensions? That plays a big role in keeping a shark. What bins are you talking about?

 

[Jocephus]

I think the bins are mostly in greenhouses. Not unlike at Dr Mac's. The stock tank I'm looking at is roughly 6' D X 2' H. At the tractor supply company. It has a threaded drain hole that I figure is a good way to feed a pump, and I was thinking of a poly drum full of bioballs. Any ideas?

 

[DamnPepShrimp]

So it's 6'x2' imprint? That really isn't big enough for any shark. The smallest shark is the coral cat, roughly 24" or so. I've always read and been told they need at least 6ft preferably 8ft length and 2.5-3' depth minimum. I'd love to get a shark for my 360, but it is the wrong dimensions, if it was 3' wide, as apposed to 3' tall, I'd do it. But I don't want to cramp the shark in a 8'x2' imprint.

Here's a good shark and ray site, lots of good info on there.

http://www.sharkraycentral.com

As far as the bioballs go, I'd avoid it. I had a tank crash because of those along with many other people. They build up nitrates and sneak up on you. In a shark tank, you'll want perfect water quality, otherwise they will get an infection in no time and lights out. I'd do a remote bin with live rock and a DSB with macro algae.

 

[Jocephus]

6 foot round stock tank. 2' is my guess at a depth. Thanks for the link, do you think 6' round is sufficient?

 

[Bebo77]

shark tank.. you want an 8' at the min.. and 3-4 feet wide...

 

[emonemo420]

Dude ur crazy...a 300 gallon tank...what's next after that the full basement tank u talked about? Ur wife is gonna kill u soon enough lol anyway can't wait to see it

 

[tat2tillidie]

man i cant wait to get a big tank

 

[Jocephus]

Josh- I'll be looking for assistance with the setup.

Anyone have thoughts on 6' round being large enough for a small shark or two?

 

[Jocephus]

Hey Bebo77- Looked at your tank build thread, awesome.

 

[DamnPepShrimp]

I'd say 6ft round is probably ok for a true coral cat shark. Make sure it is a true coral cat, and not a brown banded cat shark. I've seen them for sale all to often mislabeled. I would put a post up over on the shark and ray central. They know a lot more about sharks etc. When is this going down you think? I think it will be awesome, can't wait for some build pics! If your going to do a look down tank, why not build a custom one with a liner? Would be a lot easier and you could make it any size you want.

 

[a1amap]

Or fiberglass and wood. Would be a lot cheaper.

 

[Jocephus]

The tank is @ $300, do you think I could build one similar for less?

 

[DamnPepShrimp]

Defintely, frame it out in 2x4's and get a pond liner. This way you could build it to your specs. Here's a direct quote from from krj-1168 on the FOWLR boards, he is a pretty knowledgeable with sharks.

Ok - the smallest species of shark - presently available - is the Marbled Catshark (Atelomycterus macleayi) - grows up to 24" (61 cm) long. Smaller cousin of the Coral cat. Needs a tank of at least 170-225 gallons (6'L x 2.5'W x 1.5-2'T) - also a 300 gallon pond would work for a single adult for life. Priced at about $100-$200.

Next - is the Coral Catshark (Atelomycterus marmoratus) - Grows to 28"(71 cm). Tends to be more active and aggressive than the Marbled, and swim more than the Bamboos. Needs a tank of about 235-315 gallons (7'L x 3'W x 1.5-2'T)for a single adult for life. A 8'L x 4'W tank or pond could keep a pair of adult coral cats for life. Priced at about $90-150 each.

3rd the Gray Bamboo (Chiloscyllium griseum) - grows to 30". Needs a tank that's at least 360gallons (8'L x 3'W x 2'T). Priced at about $150 each.

The White-spotted Bamboo, Brown banded Bamboo, California Horn & Epaulette all require tanks or ponds of at least 480 gallons for a single adult.

 

[scubadoo2]

The Horn shark was an old favorite. LFS's in Pittsburgh used to sell Horn Shark eggs. All you had to do was throw it in the tank and wait for it to hatch. Elmers Aquarium in the North Hills hatched one.