Looking for shark
- Thread starter JVITAL55
- Start date
schulace123
New member
there are really none that you will find that are always active. I would suggest a coral cat, very good looking shark, and more active then any of the other bottom dwellers that I have seen.
reefergeorge
New member
What are the dimensions? You may get away with a grey smooth hound for a while. I saw an 18 incher at my lfs in a 650 and it was constantly on the move.
TheSaltwaterGuy
New member
Definitely way too small for an active swimmer. I would suggest the Coral Cats as well, they aren't constantly on the move but are much more active than any other bottom dweller.
IbanezIC300
New member
JVITAL55, a 500 gallon tank seems like a lot but in the world of sharks it's still small. If you like the look of the leopards I have an Eppaulette shark you might be interested in. She is about 24" and would look great in a nice big tank. As was previously said you could probably find a smoothhound that would fit the tank for a little while but it will eventually need much more room.
I would never advise going with something that you might be able to get away with for awhile. That awhile is usually shorter than expected, and then you have the issue of what to do with a large shark that very few people have tanks big enough to house. So finding it home is not easy. It's always best to stick with what will work long term with the tank you have now.
krj-1168
Member
Ok - first there are options if you want a swimming shark.
The question you'll have to ask - are you willing to keep it for life or get rid in a year or so.
While a 500 gallon tank might be okay for a smoothhound pup - it will out grow it in about a year or so.
After that you will either need to build a pond or fine it a new home. A good shark pond should measure at least 12' diameter. At 3' deep that comes to about 2,500 gallons.
But if your looking for species that can stay in the 500 for it life - go with either Coral Cats, White-spotted Bamboo, or the Horn Shark(although the 500 is pretty much the minimum for these guys).
The question you'll have to ask - are you willing to keep it for life or get rid in a year or so.
While a 500 gallon tank might be okay for a smoothhound pup - it will out grow it in about a year or so.
After that you will either need to build a pond or fine it a new home. A good shark pond should measure at least 12' diameter. At 3' deep that comes to about 2,500 gallons.
But if your looking for species that can stay in the 500 for it life - go with either Coral Cats, White-spotted Bamboo, or the Horn Shark(although the 500 is pretty much the minimum for these guys).
TheSaltwaterGuy
New member
I would highly disagree with getting a Blacktip.
limitedslip
New member
Pretty much, I wouldnt put anything more than a coral catshark or a bamboo banded catshark in a 500. You could think about gettin a ray, those are much more active, and usually require less room.
Always remember, small juvenile specimens of sharks that grow large will grow large. Putting something like a juvenile black tip in the tank because it fits "now" it is not a wise thing to do. It will outgrow the tank, and you cannot expect to be able to find it an appropriate home when that time comes. Not very many people have a tank to fit an adult black tip or other similarly sized shark, and don't expect a public aquarium to take it in as they are not in the business of taking in overgrown specimens from irresponsible hobbyist.
TheSaltwaterGuy
New member
Nicely put, Bill.
ccampbell57
Premium Member
IMO I would get 2 smooth hound sharks. They are awesome. An LFS near me had 2 in a 1000g tank and they were always active.
TheSaltwaterGuy
New member
Haven't we already insisted no Smoothhounds? One pup would be the ABSOLUTE MAX for that tank, much less 2. Besides, they'd all outgrow the tank with the first 9-10 months.
Charger21_SD
New member
Ya I'd say go with a Bamboo or Catshark. Rays are very active and require a smaller setup than active sharks.
I would strongly disagree with putting any blacktip, smoothound, nurse, leapord, or any active shark, and some other bottom dwelling sharks, in a 500g.
I would strongly disagree with putting any blacktip, smoothound, nurse, leapord, or any active shark, and some other bottom dwelling sharks, in a 500g.
TheSaltwaterGuy
New member
Yep. I'd go no bigger than a Brownbanded Bamboo or and Epaulette in this situation. JMO
TheSaltwaterGuy
New member
She sure does. I believe its either an adult Gray Bamboo or a semi-adult Brownbanded Bamboo. Its about 17" long. That would be perfect for your tank.
