angelfish07
New Member
Thanks Shark Bait! The info you sent is really going to help. I really appreciate it!
andrew burton
New Member
Interesting thread. Yes, water volume is the key. I am running around 5,000 litres (1,321 gallons) but will increase to 10,000 litres (2,642 gallons). This is not difficult. I use the "rotoplas" household commercial injection moulded polyethylene water storage tanks to increase water volume. I also use filtered seawater - forget your "Instant Ocean" for such large volumes of seawater. Yes you can do this in your home (or garage). I am also not using a glass or acrylic tank. At present, to begin with, I am using 1,700 litres CIRCULAR solid moulded polyethylene commerical tanks (used as drinking troughs for farm animals). Later I will build circular concrete tanks. I had been using 5,000 litre plastic swimming pools which are good but they don't last (not compatible with spiny lobsters!). You can use an octagonal glass or acrylic tank - bigger the better - increase water volume by using the moulded polyethylene household water storage tanks, at least 2 x 750 litres. No, you don't have to be a millionaire. I also build my own filters and protein skimmers. Plenty of DIY diagrams on the internet. Pump - jacuzzi or swimming pool pump with 3-phase 220 v motor but you can use 110 v motor. 1 1/2 " pvc piping. Some 2" pvc piping to the pressurized upflow sand filters (all built from commerical PVC piping and fittings). Food - commerical frozen squid or cuttlefish from Wallmart. Don't be discouraged. Plan well from the beginning and go for it. Try some rays to begin with, then Heterodontus spp. Some of the rays are very hardy - remember - circular tanks. In about 6 months I should be able to export to US.
S
shark bait
Guest
Hey can somone remove the post above I think it is a sales post and it may be against the rules.......
1journeyman
Active Member
Originally Posted by shark bait
Hey can somone remove the post above I think it is a sales post and it may be against the rules.......
I think it's ok since there is no contact info.
Hey can somone remove the post above I think it is a sales post and it may be against the rules.......
I think it's ok since there is no contact info.
S
shark bait
Guest
OK thanks just not keeping topic with that I got Hijacked...LOL..
S
shark bait
Guest
wanted to bump this as I have seen more shark questions that the users could read here first.
krj-1168
Member
Here's a list of sharks that may be seen in LFS or Online dealers that should generally be considered to be Unsuited for Private Aquarists. Although naturally there may be a few Private aquarists with systems large enough to handle even these species.Family - Triakidae (Smoothhounds) - presently there's just one species that is generally unsuited for most private aquarists -and that is the Leopard Shark.
- The Leopard Shark (Triakis semifasciata) - which can grow to be 6ft(about 1.8 meters). Also the tend to prefer cooler waters usually below 72F (22 C). As an adult, they require a tank/pond of at least 350 sq.ft . with over 10,000 gallons. Also because of the Lacey Act - it's illegal to catch or sell Leopards under 36" in length.
Family - Ginglymostomidae (Nurse Sharks) - actually represented by 3 species. Generally the members of this family adapt to captivity fairly easily (even to the point of breeding in captivity) and tend to be very hardy species. Only the the Common or Atlantic Nurse is generally available in LFS or online dealers.
-Common Nurse Shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) -while often quoted at reaching up to 14 ft (4.3 meters), - this is presently unconfirmed. And is either an overexaggeration of the species actual maximum size (which is confirmed at 11-12ft), or confusion with the closely related, but slightly larger Tawny Nurse (Nebrius ferrugineus). While Nurses can possible be kept in large home aquaria(about 500 gallons) for a few years(usually 2-3 at most). The problem with this species - is very few aquarists are capable of handling an average sized adult (about 8-10 ft,200-300 lbs) for it's entire life(which may exceed 30 years). A single average size adult requires a tank/lagoon of at least 700 sq.ft, and a volume of 20,000 gallons or more to keep it in.
Family - Carcharhinidae (Requiem Sharks) - virtually all members of this family are either suited only for public aquariums or the ocean. Since all member that are available require lots of swimming room, and most members of this family tend to be Obligated Ram Ventilators(they must swim to breath). Still there are few species that is fairly regularly seen in LFS & thru various online dealers.
-The Blacktip Reef (Carcharhinus melanopterus) is the most popular, and can grow to 6 ft (about 1.8 meters). Still often sold as pups (about 15-20" long) - this species is very active and requires lots of space. Pups need tanks/ponds of at least a 5-6,000 gallons just to reach maturity(at about 3-3.5' long). As an adult - they require a tank/pond with at least the following -no sharp corners, at least 5' deep, at least 650 sq.ft footprint, and a volume over 24,000 gallons.
- The Atlantic Sharpnose (Rhizoprionodon terraenovae) is a small atlantic coastal species, which grows to about 4' (1.2 meters) in length. Still the species is very high strung, incredible active, and usually requires to be kept in small groups(of 3-5) to be successful. Becuase to this -this species requires similar to that needed for the Blacktip Reef - basically of a round or oval design, that at least 650 sq.ft. and over 3.6 ft (1.1 meters) deep - with a volume of at least 18,000 gallons - and virtually no rock or coral decor.
- The Bonnethead (Sphyrna tiburo) is the smallest member of the hammerhead family. They can grow up to 5' (about 1.5 meters) in length, although they rarely exceed 4' (about 1.2 meters) in length. While Bonnets don't need to be kept in groups - the do need tanks/ponds of a round or oval design, and virtually no rock or coral decor. Still a single adult requires a pond/tank that is at least 4' deep, has 500 sq.ft (or more), and over 15,000 gallons.
/>- The Whitetip Reef (Triaenodon obesus) - don't have to swimming in order to breath. But still require alot of room. While the species tend to be fairly hardy, and is able to adapt to captivity. It's best suited to public aquariums - with experienced Marine biologists that are best able to understand it's tempermental nature. The species is capable of reaching 7' (about 2.1 meters) in length. And because it's size it needs a tank/pond that is at least 650 sq.ft, 6' deep, and a volume of over 29,000 gallons.
- The Lemon (Negaprion brevirostris) - also aren't ORVs, but are the largest requiem shark that is available to private aquarists. And potentially the most dangerous. Lemons are known to be very aggressive and tempermental as adults. They can grow to more than 11ft (3.35 meters) in length - although usually average about 9' (2.75 meters). Still because of the active nature, & size - they require a tank/pond the size of a small public aquarium - with at least 1,500 sq.ft. and a volume over 65,000 gallons.
Just a few thoughts - to help everyone see - just how Unsuitable - these unsuitable species really are.
- The Leopard Shark (Triakis semifasciata) - which can grow to be 6ft(about 1.8 meters). Also the tend to prefer cooler waters usually below 72F (22 C). As an adult, they require a tank/pond of at least 350 sq.ft . with over 10,000 gallons. Also because of the Lacey Act - it's illegal to catch or sell Leopards under 36" in length.
Family - Ginglymostomidae (Nurse Sharks) - actually represented by 3 species. Generally the members of this family adapt to captivity fairly easily (even to the point of breeding in captivity) and tend to be very hardy species. Only the the Common or Atlantic Nurse is generally available in LFS or online dealers.
-Common Nurse Shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) -while often quoted at reaching up to 14 ft (4.3 meters), - this is presently unconfirmed. And is either an overexaggeration of the species actual maximum size (which is confirmed at 11-12ft), or confusion with the closely related, but slightly larger Tawny Nurse (Nebrius ferrugineus). While Nurses can possible be kept in large home aquaria(about 500 gallons) for a few years(usually 2-3 at most). The problem with this species - is very few aquarists are capable of handling an average sized adult (about 8-10 ft,200-300 lbs) for it's entire life(which may exceed 30 years). A single average size adult requires a tank/lagoon of at least 700 sq.ft, and a volume of 20,000 gallons or more to keep it in.
Family - Carcharhinidae (Requiem Sharks) - virtually all members of this family are either suited only for public aquariums or the ocean. Since all member that are available require lots of swimming room, and most members of this family tend to be Obligated Ram Ventilators(they must swim to breath). Still there are few species that is fairly regularly seen in LFS & thru various online dealers.
-The Blacktip Reef (Carcharhinus melanopterus) is the most popular, and can grow to 6 ft (about 1.8 meters). Still often sold as pups (about 15-20" long) - this species is very active and requires lots of space. Pups need tanks/ponds of at least a 5-6,000 gallons just to reach maturity(at about 3-3.5' long). As an adult - they require a tank/pond with at least the following -no sharp corners, at least 5' deep, at least 650 sq.ft footprint, and a volume over 24,000 gallons.
- The Atlantic Sharpnose (Rhizoprionodon terraenovae) is a small atlantic coastal species, which grows to about 4' (1.2 meters) in length. Still the species is very high strung, incredible active, and usually requires to be kept in small groups(of 3-5) to be successful. Becuase to this -this species requires similar to that needed for the Blacktip Reef - basically of a round or oval design, that at least 650 sq.ft. and over 3.6 ft (1.1 meters) deep - with a volume of at least 18,000 gallons - and virtually no rock or coral decor.
- The Bonnethead (Sphyrna tiburo) is the smallest member of the hammerhead family. They can grow up to 5' (about 1.5 meters) in length, although they rarely exceed 4' (about 1.2 meters) in length. While Bonnets don't need to be kept in groups - the do need tanks/ponds of a round or oval design, and virtually no rock or coral decor. Still a single adult requires a pond/tank that is at least 4' deep, has 500 sq.ft (or more), and over 15,000 gallons.
/>- The Whitetip Reef (Triaenodon obesus) - don't have to swimming in order to breath. But still require alot of room. While the species tend to be fairly hardy, and is able to adapt to captivity. It's best suited to public aquariums - with experienced Marine biologists that are best able to understand it's tempermental nature. The species is capable of reaching 7' (about 2.1 meters) in length. And because it's size it needs a tank/pond that is at least 650 sq.ft, 6' deep, and a volume of over 29,000 gallons.
- The Lemon (Negaprion brevirostris) - also aren't ORVs, but are the largest requiem shark that is available to private aquarists. And potentially the most dangerous. Lemons are known to be very aggressive and tempermental as adults. They can grow to more than 11ft (3.35 meters) in length - although usually average about 9' (2.75 meters). Still because of the active nature, & size - they require a tank/pond the size of a small public aquarium - with at least 1,500 sq.ft. and a volume over 65,000 gallons.
Just a few thoughts - to help everyone see - just how Unsuitable - these unsuitable species really are.
S
shark bait
Guest
Word of note for CA Res. If you have this shark and got it from yor LFS many people are hooking them off the piers in so cal and selling them to LFS this will land you in jail, and even if you have it in the car and get pulled over mast cops have taken classes on local wild life and fish and game laws. I have 7 years in law in a beach city in so cal and the law is the law for a reason. do not keep this fish it is best left in the wild.
The Leopard Shark (Triakis semifasciata) - which can grow to be 6ft(about 1.8 meters). Also the tend to prefer cooler waters usually below 72F (22 C). As an adult, they require a tank/pond of at least 350 sq.ft . with over 10,000 gallons. Also because of the Lacey Act - it's illegal to catch or sell Leopards under 36" in length.
The Leopard Shark (Triakis semifasciata) - which can grow to be 6ft(about 1.8 meters). Also the tend to prefer cooler waters usually below 72F (22 C). As an adult, they require a tank/pond of at least 350 sq.ft . with over 10,000 gallons. Also because of the Lacey Act - it's illegal to catch or sell Leopards under 36" in length.
krj-1168
Member
Yeah - but many people think that just because the Lacey Act is based in California - means it doesn't affect people in other states.
The Truth is it affects any aquarist in the U.S. that wants to keep a Leopard sharks. Since because of the Lacey Act - it illegal to catch any Leopard shark below 36". And since all Leopards sold to LFS around the Country have to come thru California. So techically this act affects the whole U.S.
The Truth is it affects any aquarist in the U.S. that wants to keep a Leopard sharks. Since because of the Lacey Act - it illegal to catch any Leopard shark below 36". And since all Leopards sold to LFS around the Country have to come thru California. So techically this act affects the whole U.S.
sepulatian
Moderator
Experienced shark owners, please feel free to add to this. Hopefully it will help some of our members out.
fishlawyer
Member
Currently raising my "Coral Banded Cat Shark" and this thread has been invalueable... Thanks for the information!
aquaknight
Active Member
Any chance we could modify the title and include rays (along with posted info on rays)? It seems questions about rays are just a popular as shark questions and rays have about the same basic requirements.
E
eric b 125
Guest
so you're saying that i shouldnt keep a shark in a 55 gallon?
great info! i'm considering a shark tank in a year or so. i'd like to start getting the equip here-and-there as i go about working on my current tank. thanks for this thread!
great info! i'm considering a shark tank in a year or so. i'd like to start getting the equip here-and-there as i go about working on my current tank. thanks for this thread!
sepulatian
Moderator
Originally Posted by AquaKnight
http:///forum/post/2978779
Any chance we could modify the title and include rays (along with posted info on rays)? It seems questions about rays are just a popular as shark questions and rays have about the same basic requirements.
Get me an informational thread on Rays and I will happily merge the two and change the title.
http:///forum/post/2978779
Any chance we could modify the title and include rays (along with posted info on rays)? It seems questions about rays are just a popular as shark questions and rays have about the same basic requirements.
Get me an informational thread on Rays and I will happily merge the two and change the title.
crypt keeper
Active Member
littlej2455
Member
Originally Posted by latinlord
http:///forum/post/3018482
why are sharks known as aggressive?? ?Mine just hides all day under the cave/live rock I have for him and he never messes with any other fish...haha I know i know.... it is just what sharks are perseved to have and do... but still mine is perfectly mild if not calm.
I have a marbled cat shark too and he is probably the least aggressive fish I have in the tank. He is a great addition to my tank.
http:///forum/post/3018482
why are sharks known as aggressive?? ?Mine just hides all day under the cave/live rock I have for him and he never messes with any other fish...haha I know i know.... it is just what sharks are perseved to have and do... but still mine is perfectly mild if not calm.
I have a marbled cat shark too and he is probably the least aggressive fish I have in the tank. He is a great addition to my tank.
oceanboy13
Member
so my question of the day is what can i house with a brown spotted catshark...
oceanboy13
Member
question numero dos i went to an lfs today and say a baracudda <<< donno if i spelled it right...but anyways i saw it housed with a bamboo shark in the same tank...i dont kno how big the tank was really but if i had to guess it was 7 to 8 feet...i dont kno much about a baracuda but wouldnt the cuda be agressive towards the shark sorry if i sound dumb just was wondering if that was a wise idea for them...