Calling the Shark Police!!

[ReefEnabler]

Hello!

I come today asking for advice on behalf of a friend. Well this friend isn't really asking for my advice, but I feel I need to pass on the best information to them on this topic.

One of my coworkers is getting a large Fish Only tank installed in his condo. From what hes told me, it will be around 300 gallons. Since its a condo, thats about as large as we can expect it to be.

He will be paying a company to do the install and all future maintenance, so keep in mind he doesnt really understand the basics here. I am just trying to make sure he makes good decisions and doens't waste his money on some over charging company.

Now the issue is that he wants to keep a shark, and this company is saying its ok (dont know what species they mentioned).


I am not very knowledgeable about sharks, but the smallest shark I know of is the Banded Cat Shark, and it can get around 3 feet long.

I told my friend that anything less than 1000 gallons is really pushing it with these sharks, and I then tried to talk him into doing a regular Predator tank or even a Cuttlefish tank (which seemed to interest him a bit at least).

So I am looking for some objective opinions on what Shark would do well in a small tank (around 300g). Or if you think its just a bad idea I want to hear that too.


Thanks for any information!

Ryan

[DamnPepShrimp]

It all depends on the dimensions. There is a true coral cat shark that max size is around 2ft.

[ReefEnabler]

I tried to get the dimensions but he doesn't have a detailed proposal in front of him yet, and he doesn't even know the exact gallons.

I know his condo though and the tank will most likely be 6-8 ft long..... I would think the tank should be at least 36" wide to accomodate the shark turning around. thoughts?

Do you have information on the name of this shark?


I think there is a better chance of my convincing him to do a smaller shark than convincing him not to do a shark.


Thanks!

[tgreene]

I have a breeding pair of Marbled Cat Sharks (24 & 26") in a 300g Rubbermaid livestock trough w/ a 100g Rubbermaid through as a sump.

These are pretty much full grown, and have plenty of room to swim, but keep in mind that this is also a round tank that is 60" across.

Sharks are not easy to keep, and require a lot of work to see to their health requirements. They are most definitely not for a beginner!!!

-Tim

[DamnPepShrimp]

Atelomycterus marmoratus grows to about 28"

Chiloscyllium punctatum grows to over 3' and is known as the banded bamboo shark, a more commonly seen species. One that requires a 1000g tank.

Coral cats sometimes can be harder to find, they don't sell eggs, only bamboos. Have him definitely go with a coral cat. From what I've read, they are more active as well. That could be a good point to convince him to do the smaller shark that actually fits his tank.

[ReefEnabler]

Thanks,
Thats what I told him, but he is pretty sold on just having this company take care of it for him.

I told him to show me the equipment list. I know this will probably be expensive and for an expensive price I will expect to see the equipment done right with regard to things like ATO and maintaining alk/ca and keeping nutrients down. I know sharks are especially sensitive to salinity swings.

His girlfriend is somewhat knowledeable, she used to keep a SW FO tank a few years ago, but it sounds like this will be mostly maintained by the installation company.

[ReefEnabler]

thanks DamnPepShrimp, I will pass on that information to him.


I also assume that its a big no-no to mix any rays with these sharks?

what about a cuttlefish?

[DamnPepShrimp]

That might be better if they are a good company. The only problem is usually companies only come out once a week. If something were to go wrong or need something done, he'd be screwed. Hopefully he will learn as the system is put together. I'd suggest adding easier fish that are shark friendly. See how it goes for a good 6 months or more preferably (after the cycle), then look into adding the shark.

[tgreene]

Sharks need lower temp tanks, are VERY sensitive to any electrical current, need higher flow, and pristine water conditions.

They are also very susceptible to Goiter and infections from scratching, which means that they need to be handled regularly to be able to check for such things. You can't tell if their undersides are scratched and bruised, if you don't pick them up and look. You also need to be able to know how to effectively prevent and/or treat these conditions.

Again, sharks are clearly not for beginners or amateurs that want someone else to care for them. That would be like adopting a "special needs" child, then immediately placing them in a nursing home for someone else to deal with. :(

Since you're in Cary, contact Chad Bryant at "Reef Science" to get his opinion.

-Tim

[JRaquatics]

tgreene is right not for beginners, not even if a service company is doing the maintenance. Shark keeping is a very expensive way of going about a 1st SW tank. They are very messy and require a good filtration system. A square or even better a round tank is better than a long horizontal tank. Small ponds are almost Ideal but not for a condo. Your friend will have to realize that the stocking of a shark tank is very limited in what inhabitants you can have. Most want to be shark keepers loose interest when the wow factor gets old and become bored or discouraged with there set up.

Just some food for thought.

[tgreene]

Also, sharks are nocturnal, so don't expect to see them doing much of anything other than sleeping during the day. These are all sand sharks, meaning that they are bottom dwellers that are relatively stationary... When they are swimming however, they need LOTS of room to do their thing.

If your friend wants a glamorous shark tank, tell him to buy a building that's large enough to install a 10,000+ gallon aquarium and get 3 or 4 Black Tipped Reef sharks for it.

BTW: I hand feed mine, and because of how much I handle them for inspection, they "appear" very tame. They know and trust me, but don't be fooled, because these are still wild animals with a natural instinct and desire to do nothing more than hunt and kill.

Shortly after we received the male (our first shark), he went into a frenzy while I was feeding him and he lunged out of the tank directly at my wife, who by this time was clinging to the ceiling.

I'll go all out and say that Sharks likely require the greatest level of care of any salt water inhabitants that I've ever owned, and I'm in the reef keeping business.

I've not had an interest in Cephalopods though, but am intrigued by the extremely deadly nature of the Blue Ring Octopus, so it may happen some day.

-Tim

[tgreene]

I was actually just featured on our local news this past Sunday evening, so if you goto my website at **edited** you'll see a video of the 3 1/2 minute news clip.

It actually begins with the Sharks. :)

-Tim

[ReefEnabler]

wow thanks for all the info guys. I will pass on what I can and try to hammer into my friend that just because somebody is taking care of it doesn't mean its a good idea.

cool interview tgreene.


what would you guys say would be the best Fish to try first, that would also be compatible with a shark later, if it comes to that? triggers and the like?

[DamnPepShrimp]

No triggers, angels, butterflies or puffers. Usually tangs, groupers, eels, or other calm fish (even though they may get eaten). After the tank has cycled, he should try a few hardy tangs, like yellows etc. I think he would be better off getting large angels, triggers and tangs then a shark though. Much more entertaining. Sharks have a cool factor to them, but can be very boring. Although I'd love to get a several thousand gallon pond for some smoothhound sharks!

[ReefEnabler]

thanks.


and thanks for the headsup about Reef Science, Tim. I had no idea he was so close to me!! Chad offered some good advice on the company doing the setup.

[tgreene]

I knew Chad was right there because my family likes in Holly Springs, and I hooked up w/ him to check out his operation when I visited the summer before last.

-Tim

[reefer334]

I have a dozen sharks or more , they are very boring once the allure of owning a shark wears off.

If you need any info feel free to PM me.