260 Predator Tank

[ifish]

Up until yesterday we had a 260 gallon reef, but today it became a predator tank with the addition of an 8" Leopard Shark. We were told our fish would be safe, but we may switch to some more large agressive fish to chill with the shark.
Squirrelfish
Big Az Blue Damsels
Mated Tomato Clowns and anenome.
unidentified wrasse - adult
4 tangs
snowflake eel.
Is this an okay enviornment for the shark? (5*2.75*2.5) The rock structure is in the center, with room to circle the structure. He tried silversides, but didn't seem to really like them? We would like to add a Clown Triggerfish and Emperor Angel if we need to switch fish out.

 

[killa]

Sounds like one hell of a setup. Don't know much about sharks but there sounds like there is not much room to turn around. I f he can get around ok, I guess he is fine. I don't think triggers and sharks get on too well though.

 

[splash1914]

The leopard will not touch any of your fish.. Just watch your other fish nipping at the sharks fins... you might have to get rid of the wrasse because they are very aggressive eaters... 5' L is a little short but is fine for a year then you will have to upgrade or get rid of him.... Also watch out for the leopard toppling your rocks.. if there is a piece of food that gets into a crevice in your rocks he will do everything in his power to get it, which means avalanche!!!!!

 

[jim27]

Like splash said, the leopard will be ok for about a year, then you'll need to get rid of it or buy a much larger tank.
And DO NOT add a clown trigger or an Emperor angel with a shark. Large angels and triggers are notorious for biting sharks which will eventually cause death. You'll need to choose one or the other not both.

 

[ifish]

I'm glad to know the other fish are safe for now! We have been trying to feed it with no sucess, but it is only the second day. What do you feed your shark? How?
We have a concrete "pond" (No life, filtered, kinda like a pool but not) that I would consider converting to a shark tank. Several questions about this though.
Assuming the shark is about 2-3 feet in a year, will he be more hardy? The pond is outside (duh) and I bet the ph, temp, and salinity fluctuates. The dimensions are ideal - 25*5*2.5. I figure we could add some fish filtration, salt, and have an awesome shark lagoon!! Is this at all possible or just a fantasy?

 

[splash1914]

I feed mine various seafoods.. shrimp, clams, crab, silversides... Did you see it eat before you bought at the lfs? Try silversides at first because they have a strong smell. I am not sure about the shark lagoon outside.... The water temp will get too hot for the western born sharks.... Plus salt alone will cost a fortune... A tank that size would require a kick a$$ pump, filter, and skimmer... It could be done, if you had the money and skills to make it happen.... Plus you have to watch out for racoons!! My buddy just had his 20 Koi snatched from his pond by coons!!!!

 

[jim27]

Concrete isn't the best thing for active sharks since they can scratch themselves on it while swimming.
Depending on where you live, the water in the pond may get too hot for the sharks considering they are native to the west coast which is very cold. You'll also need some major fltration for that thing, and salt will cost a fortune too. If you've got the cash it may work. You'll have to talk to risc about this, he has lots of experience with big shark ponds.

 

[ifish]

It was just a wild thought. I wonder if any of the pool filter stuff on it would work? I'm not too worried about a three foot shark and racoons. The tank we bought it from had live feeder fish in it - we were told to use silversides. He didn't eat the whole thing thou.

 

[dirtybilge]

Splash your tank is way cool and I love all your pics!
ED

 

[splash1914]

Thank you Ed!

 

[dragonmoray]

I too have had a leopard shark with similar fish. The shark always behaved quite well, as long as it wasn't feeding time. They will do just about anything to get a piece of food. There is no doubt that sooner or later another fish will bite the shark, especially the triggers. After 6 months I decided to get rid of the shark because it started getting into nasty quarrels whenever food was in the tank. Keep in mind that sharks tend to like a higher salinty as well as colder water temperatures. The big thing to watch out for is your ammonia and nitrate levels, as a Sharks urea will cause those levels to rise. A leopard shark can be a beautiful thing, but it certainly has it's downsides. Good Luck!