Smooth hounds would absolutely be a better choice than sharpies or bonnets.
By the way - there are 3 species of smooth hounds available. All 3 species do much better in smaller 1500-2500 gallon tanks than any requiem, and they can do just fine in tanks with at least 65-75 sq. ft of floor space(which you have)
The Gray Smooth hound(M. californicus), The Brown Smooth hound(M. henlei), and the Atlantic or Dusky Smooth hound(M. canius).
The Atlantic Smooth hound is a slightly warmer water species, tolerating water temps in to the lower 80s. They average 4' in length, and can reach up to 5' in length.
Also Brown & Gray Smooth hounds are easily able to tolerate water temps up to 77F
Also the reason - I said Blacktip reefs - is because they tend to adapt well to captivity, better than bonnetheads & sharpies. And I have heard of people keeping blacktip pups in 1700 gallon shark tanks(with a 8.5' x 6.5' foot print) for about 2 years. Still with them you would either need to eventually up grade to a much larger tank(say about 15,000 gallons) or give it to your nearest Public Aquarium(if they will take it).
While - requiems may be out as long-term option. That doesn't mean that sharks are out as an option all together. You still have some nice options.
My personal choice
A California (or Pacific Coast) shark tank. This includes the following species options.
- Gray or Brown Smooth hound - as the swimming shark (your Choice).
- The Californian Horn shark(Heterodontus francisci) - the bottom-dweller species
- A California sting ray or a Cortez Sting ray (your choice)
other options include - a shark breeding tank (your choice of bottom dwellers).
Or a giant aggressive FOWLR tank - with a couple of bottom dwelling sharks like Bamboos, Eppies, Coral Cat or maybe a Japanese Wobbie(grows to 3.5'), groupers, Eels, & tangs.
