mattiej
Member
It has become very apparant that there is still a wealth of misinformation out there about private shark keeping. Flaming wars and insults are not going to clear any of it up. The sad fact is that there are very few true experts that can and will help. Add to this the fact that far too many people choice to ignore good advice for whatever reasons. The sadness in this is that it is not the keeper that suffers but the shark, period.
Failure is almost assured when shark keeping is approached by deciding on a shark to fit a certain tank. The way it should be approached is just opposite, decide the shark and then build the system around the animal. Sure this is the more difficult way to go but bottom line is the smallest shark will far outgrow the average largest angelfish, puffer, trigger, etc. There really are no short cuts or simple ways to keep sharks. I know there are those who want a quick answer but in shark keeping the secret is in the preparation. If someone interested in shark keeping can't even take the time to do even a little research then it is obivious that shark keeping is not for them. I am well aware that everyone starts as a newbie at some time or other but that is no excuse for not attempting the most basic of information searches. The information is there and can be found with just a little of time. Take the time, again short cuts will most always lead to failure.
I have worked with sharks both professionally and privately for well over ten years. In that time I have only lost a few specimens, not due to the set up but due to the unpredictable behavior of the animals. Though it may seem like I am bragging but what I am trying to do is point out that though I may disagree with other's advice I have a lot of hands on experience to offer. It is a waste that those of us that have the experience and the knowledge are drowned out by the din of those with much less experience. Instead of looking to jump on someone simply because they disagree it would be prudent to discuss the differences constructively.
Finally and this will, undoubtably, cause a stir but not everyone should keep sharks. Sharks require tremendous committments in time, space, finances, and effort. If a potential keeper is only looking to keep a shark for a short time and then find another home, they should not get the shark. If the potential keeper is not willing to invest the time to do some research then do not get the shark. If the potential keeper does not intend to keep the shark in a system that can keep it for its life then do not get the shark. These animals reproduce slowly and take years to sexually mature, they are not disposable livestock to be treated like the common guppy. If you are serious about shark keeping do it the right way or leave the animals in the ocean.
Failure is almost assured when shark keeping is approached by deciding on a shark to fit a certain tank. The way it should be approached is just opposite, decide the shark and then build the system around the animal. Sure this is the more difficult way to go but bottom line is the smallest shark will far outgrow the average largest angelfish, puffer, trigger, etc. There really are no short cuts or simple ways to keep sharks. I know there are those who want a quick answer but in shark keeping the secret is in the preparation. If someone interested in shark keeping can't even take the time to do even a little research then it is obivious that shark keeping is not for them. I am well aware that everyone starts as a newbie at some time or other but that is no excuse for not attempting the most basic of information searches. The information is there and can be found with just a little of time. Take the time, again short cuts will most always lead to failure.
I have worked with sharks both professionally and privately for well over ten years. In that time I have only lost a few specimens, not due to the set up but due to the unpredictable behavior of the animals. Though it may seem like I am bragging but what I am trying to do is point out that though I may disagree with other's advice I have a lot of hands on experience to offer. It is a waste that those of us that have the experience and the knowledge are drowned out by the din of those with much less experience. Instead of looking to jump on someone simply because they disagree it would be prudent to discuss the differences constructively.
Finally and this will, undoubtably, cause a stir but not everyone should keep sharks. Sharks require tremendous committments in time, space, finances, and effort. If a potential keeper is only looking to keep a shark for a short time and then find another home, they should not get the shark. If the potential keeper is not willing to invest the time to do some research then do not get the shark. If the potential keeper does not intend to keep the shark in a system that can keep it for its life then do not get the shark. These animals reproduce slowly and take years to sexually mature, they are not disposable livestock to be treated like the common guppy. If you are serious about shark keeping do it the right way or leave the animals in the ocean.
