Quote:
Originally Posted by
BTRS http:///t/395567/black-tip-reef-shark-tank-size#post_3522002
These are my thoughts on each subject:
1. For a 3.5 foot, I've discovered that a 76 x 76 x 30 is THE BEST size tank for a BTRS (black tip reef shark). It isn't too big, costing you extra money and such, but isn't too small, causing the shark troubles. As they say, it's the best bang for your buck. It's the best size to save you money. Its good for shark lovers without a lot of money. This aquarium can house a BTRS until 3.5-4 feet very good. But once it reaches 4.5 feet, I STRONGLY suggest getting rid of the shark.
2. Growth rate: Risc says they grow 1.5 inches a year, is that true or not, I don't know. But RISC has lots of experience with BTRS so I'm going to take his word.
3. I know THE BEST "formula" for making ANY animal you choose, be a great tank mate of a BTRS, even if EXPERTS tell you that that animal you choose isn't a good tankmate for a BTRS, that it will get killed to it will kill the BTRS.
First you have to decide between these 2 things: Will it hurt the BTRS, or will the BTRS hurt it? Each one requires a different method:
It will hurt the BTRS:
1. Decide at which size the BTRS will have to be to get hurt, and decide at what size the tankmate needs to be to hurt the BTRS Eg. A 4 fooot grouper would swallow whole a 1-2 foot BTRS. But the shark at 3 feet+ it can't touch it. Another example: a 2 foot triggerfish while blind the BTRS by picking at its eyes, but only when the BTRS is small and helpless (1-1.5 feet) once it gets bigger, it will discover that it's a formidable opponent and won't go near it, no matter how big the triggerfish is. Also, a 5 foot moray eel will snap a 3 foot BTRS in half, but won't go near a 4 footer.
2. When you have decided at what age your "it will hurt the BTRS" tankmate will hurt it, wait till the shark surpasses that size untill you get the tankmate so it stays safe, OR you could get the tankmate at a size that it won't hurt it, and make sure it won't grow so fast that it will be 3 feet when the shark is 1.5 feet.
The BTRS will hurt it:
1. Decide at what size the BTRS will hurt it, and at what size the tankmate needs to be to get hurt. Eg. A 2 foot BTRS will destroy a 1 foot bonnethead shark, but won't go near a 4 foot bonnethead shark when the BTRS is 2 feet.
2. When you decided at what size the BTRS and tankmate needs to be, find a way to acquire them at the required sizes. Eg if you want a snapper but don't want it to get eaten, get it when it's bigger then the shark, snapper at 5 feet and BTRS at 1 feet.
3. Keep in mind that some animals the shark just won't go after. It will almost NEVER go after stingrays, damsels, NEVER corals, etc.
4.if the tankmate you want always will get eaten, no matter what size it is (eg blue tang)
You NEED to give it hiding spaces ( eg. Rocks, corals, sand) to hide from the shark then it will be safe.
That is only a 750 mate, even for a 3 foot shark that is only 2 times as long as the shark. If you wanted to have any Live Rock, that would take away any of its swimming room altogether. A shark that size needs at least 10,000 for a juvi, as it gets bigger you will have problems with that setup though and you would need about 7,500 more gallons. That fish isn't suited for home aquariums. Period.
